Story ID: 
Proposed Boston Helipad Ops Outlined
By: Gordon Gilbert
Caption: The city said it will own the helipad, not use federal funding to build it, determine who can and cannot use the pad and what the user fees will be.
Word Count: 226
Operations at the proposed Boston helipad were more clearly outlined at a recent public hearing held by the city’s council committee on transportation. Among the clarifications, officials advised residents that the operations at the helipad will not involve any new routes, but instead use existing helicopter routes that are mostly over water. In addition, the committee made it clear that tour operators would not be permitted to use the helipad, saying it is intended only for corporate flights, aeromedical flights and emergencies.

The committee reiterated its proposal that one of the locations being considered for the helipad is on a pier in the seaport district of South Boston, near the site of General Electric’s corporate headquarters, which is currently under development. However, the city has hired a consultant to help identify other potential locations. The city said it will own the helipad, not use federal funding to build it, determine who can and cannot use the pad and what the user fees will be.

A task force was established to collect information and make final recommendations. The group consists of elected public officials representing the interests of businesses and residences, as well as representatives of local helicopter operators and the New England Helicopter Council. A public meeting was held last month and another is scheduled for this month.