August 13, 2026

Editorial: Tour helicopters must be stopped

We here in the east valley have a steady diet of tour helicopters that fly directly over our homes, starting at 7 a.m. and continuing on through the day, as many as 20 or more per day.

A rash of helicopter accidents has become a major safety concern, along with the noise they are causing.

The Parks & Recreation Department has spent upwards of $3.5 million on the Wetlands Nature Park, and the way it is now the only birds visitors will hear will be the (whirlybirds) as a steady occurrence.

What a waste of $3.5 million this will be if action is not taken on this matter. These helicopters fly seven days a week.

BILL MARTIN

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