More noise means economic development says city…

Coast Radio News
Breaking News

The Florence City Council heard a report last night on complaints about increased noise at the airport.  A new company, Apex Heli, established operations here last spring with the intention of using the Florence Municipal Airport as the base of operations.  Florence City Manager Bob Willoughby says it’s a good fit…

“We’ve trying to encourage increased use that would increase economic activity as well as financing at the airport.” Click here to listen

Willoughby says that increased activity has been in the form of flying lessons for helicopter pilots, as well as aerial tours of the area prompting complaints from “about a dozen people” at city hall.

           “We’re sensitive to the complaints, we understand those, we are working with people at the airport and the operator of the helicopter business to reduce any conflict that people feel may exist right now.” (click here to listen)

He says one example of how Apex is responding is by altering their airport approach, as well as moving some aspects of the training to an offsite location.  But, Willoughby adds, residents should expect many of the operations to continue.