At a time when many cities are thinking about how they can develop the infrastructure for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) networks, the city of Indianapolis is taking a contrary view and looking to close the city’s Downtown Heliport. Accordingly, the US FAA has issued a notice of intent that would result in the permanent closure of the heliport and allow the sale of the five and a half acres of heliport land and associated buildings to be sold and re-developed for non-aeronautical use.
When the city first mooted the plan in November of 2021, a coalition led by the Helicopter Association International (HAI) submitted a letter opposing the closure. The HAI remains committed in its opposition to what seems to be a policy rooted in short-termist planning and the desire to turn a quick profit. It is apparent the city attaches little or no weight to the benefits the heliport brings in public value through intermodal transportation connectivity, economic growth, jobs, future air mobility access, and critical public-good services such as law enforcement and air medical access.
The HAI urges all to engage in this critical issue of preserving vertical aviation infrastructure. The FAA’s comment period ends on 9 March 2023. HAI is developing comments for members to submit to the Federal Register. If you wish to comment now, please submit your comments opposing the closure of the Indianapolis Downtown Heliport by clicking here.
