Mission Helicopters launch inaugural Scenic Flights

 Mission Helicopters has distributed  an  information sheet (right) announcing    inaugural Scenic Flights operating from Tully  airport.

The move raises many questions. Has  a permit been approved  to operate scenic flights?  If so, when? And under what conditions? The Mission Beach residents made it quite clear  to the council  they   value the peace and quiet of  their  villages.  Were the councillors aware   Mission  Helicopters  are quite happy to operate  a business from Tully Aerodrome?

What about the 'argument'    presented in favour  of the Mission Beach heliport development at the general meeting  on 21 January; when the council made their decision to approve the development?  

In the following statement  from  page246  of the   21 Jan general meeting agenda  ,  the  Planner claimed     the number of flights  would be lower compared to  tourism joy flights, implying there would be less impact.

     "The applicant has confirmed that the majority of the helicopters proposed to be   stationed at this aviation  facility are not proposed to be used for “joy flights”. The type of helicopters proposed are highly specialised  multi-role helicopters and provide a range of services including aerial firefighting, heavy-lift and aerial  crane, and reconnaissance missions. There is a direct linkage between the specialist nature of these  helicopters, and the high cost of operation, the number of movements will generally be lower than what  would be expected from a tourism joy flight operation". 

Are scenic tours (joy flights),  a new Mission Helicopters enterprise?    Are we now  to expect  helicopters to be travelling up and  down our coastline    from South Mission Beach to Garners  to show people  "...the beautiful sights that Mission has to offer?

What about the residents? What about those people who are enjoying  the peace and quiet, the natural amenity along the 14 kilometers of   beaches  Mission Beach is  famous for?
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