Rotorcraft Report: Raleigh, N.C. Gets it Own Heliport

COMMERCIAL/HELIPORTS

A private businessman in Raleigh, N.C. has opened a heliport for private as well as commercial helicopters. It has also become the location for another helicopter training school run by Silver State Helicopters, Las Vegas, Nev.

The Raleigh Heliport is 3 mi from downtown Raleigh, off one of the main arteries into the city and within the city limits. Raleigh is a city of more than 320,000. The heliport covers more than 70,000 sq ft over an area of six acres. There are multiple landing areas within the heliport where Bell 206 JetRangers and Robinson Helicopter R22s and R44s land. In addition to being available for air limousines, the heliport will be used as a refueling spot for turbine and piston helicopters.

The heliport will also be used as a storage facility and a helicopter charter repair service.

Opposition from residents in the area centered on noise and the low altitude at which the aircraft might be flying. So far, according to Scott Moore, the owner of the heliport, there have not been complaints from neighbors.

The heliport opened at the beginning of September. The operating hours are 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Moore, however, is trying to change the hours. He would like the heliport hours to be unlimited, but said he would be fine with hours of 6 a.m.- midnight. He said the area is well-lit and the helicopters that land there do not require any type of lighting devices. A permit has not yet been submitted to the zoning office to change the hours.