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Residents raise noise, flight‑path concerns as Mackinac County board discusses helicopter tour contract
Summary
Board members and residents discussed a draft contract with My Flight Helicopter Tours, focusing on required flight paths, noise impacts and county protections; a follow‑up meeting with county officials, the airport manager and the tour owner was scheduled.
The Mackinac County Board of Commissioners discussed a proposed contract with My Flight Helicopter Tours on May 12, focusing on flight‑path restrictions and neighborhood noise after residents raised concerns.
Chair Mike Patrick said the county values tourism but acknowledged the need to reduce disruptions, adding, “we are a tourist destination and need the tourist's business for the local economy.” St. Ignace resident Cindy Snyder read an outline of items she wants included in the contract, and several audience members spoke about flights they said were disruptive to downtown neighborhoods.
Clerk Hillary Vowell and county attorneys are drafting contract language that, as described during the meeting, will address flight‑path requirements, a monthly rental fee paid to the county, mandatory purchase of fuel from the county and liability provisions. Commissioners said they will work with the tour company to identify flight paths that reduce noise over residential areas.
The board agreed to schedule a follow‑up meeting with two commissioners, the airport manager and the owner of My Flight Helicopter Tours to negotiate contract terms and flight paths. No formal contract was approved at the May 12 meeting.
