Helicopter pilots’ training boosts C.O. economy

The hum of a helicopter or the roar of a plane engine — it’s what you expect near an airport. But some people living near Roberts Field in Redmond say they are hearing more, constant noise.

The Federal Aviation Administration tells NewsChannel 21 that Erickson AirCrane, based in Portland, has two “heavy” helicopters temporarily based at the Prineville Airport.

Airport Manager Kelly Coffelt confirmed, that saying the company is training 25 pilots. The training is expected to last until Feb. 6.

“There is a lot of fog and weather in the (Willamette) Valley,”Coffelt said. “So they are able in the wintertime to come over here and and train unobstructed.”

Several people emailing, posting Facebook notes and calling NewsChannel 21 say at times, the roar of the helicopters shook their homes on a frequent basis.

“What’s happened is, those helicopters are kind of on the same path on a daily basis,” Coffelt said.

He added that he hears their concerns and is making changes.

“We’re trying to change it up the best we can,” Coffelt said. “I talk to the pilots the best I can every morning. We’ll try and do some different things.”

But Coffelt said the increased business is great for Crook County.

“I apologize for the inconvenience,” Coffelt said. “It’s a positive thing for the airport, city of Prineville, Crook County, and that’s the reason why we went ahead with it.”

Crook County was one of the hardest-hit areas during the recent recession, sending unemployment rates into the double digits.

“The impact for the community –, I mean, all those pilots and maintenance crews are staying downtown. I believe the total was 175 nights,” Coffelt said.