Private Aviation (Devos Helipad) In Ada

Background

In December of 2007, the Ada Township Planning Commission took up the task of developing an ordinance, to govern private heliports/helipads within the Township. The impetus for this was a request by Dick Devos to build a heliport, including a hanger, on his property located west of Fox Hollow Road. (See Map)

To help the public become more familiar with the EcoStar EC-130 type of helicopter he would be using, he hosted an open house at Ada Congregational Church, where both he and his helicopter's pilot were available to answer questions. At a public hearing on Jan 17th, the Planning Commission heard from residents, those responsible for the design/operation of the heliport and a local search and rescue (SAR) group who Mr. Devos has pledged to give access to his helicopter for SAR activities.

Why This Qualifies as A "Hot Issue"

Many citizens are concerned about the potential noise and safety issues, related to the operation of helicopters near their homes and nearby schools and churches. There is also concern that zoning allowing for heliports/helipads in residential areas, will create future conflicts in other areas of the township.

My Position

Today's modern helicopters are extremely safe. In 2006, there were only 25 fatal helicopter accidents in the entire United States! An Ada resident's chance of being killed or seriously injured by an automobile are literally tens of thousands of times greater than by a helicopter. As was witnessed by those who attended the open house, many gas-powered lawn and garden machines/tools produce more noise than the helicopter on display.

With "the light-sport aircraft industry's near-term growth exceeding that of recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and watercraft combined" and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) projecting a "1,730 % increase in the number of new sports pilots," during the next 15 years, we have an obligation to not simply react, but think and plan for the future.

The Planning Commission should develop a comprehensive ordinance, that governs all forms of private aviation within the township. This should include heliports and helipads for helicopter use, as well as ultralights, gyrocopters, experimental aircraft.