LELAND — With a population that’s increased tenfold since 2000, Leland is considering adding a helipad to its growing list of services.
The town is looking into the feasibility of building an unmanned, cement helicopter landing pad to accommodate new medical facilities and law enforcement activity in the region.
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Bob Penwell, a member of Leland’s Planning Board and Transportation Oversite Committee, flew helicopters for 18 years in the army. He presented his idea — the cheapest, most practical entry into helicopter aviation — to Town Council during an agenda review meeting Monday.
“I think the time is now to start thinking well out of the box,” Penwell told council members.
An unmanned pad
Though no number was thrown out, Penwell’s pitch involved relatively simple investments.
To establish a helipad, the town would need to own or lease property clear from existing power lines. Next, the town would have to secure permanent lighting. An access road and approval from the Federal Aviation Administration would also be needed.
Beyond common sense security measures to prevent a “high school beer party on a concrete pad,” Penwell said the upkeep of such a facility would be relatively low.
The town would also seek out outside investment from potential users, including area hospitals, law enforcement agencies, electric companies, commercial tour companies and a local news station.
Pat Batleman, Leland’s mayor pro-tem, suggested the town could reach out to Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s director to coordinate any future efforts. She also said the project could be eligible for federal Southern Tier Economic Growth funding.
Any future helipad would be located in Wilmington International Airport (ILM) airspace, so their approval would be required. To begin the lengthy process, Penwell told council members he’d like Leland to be the first community to build a helipad before the market gets cluttered in the future.
“My opinion is we need to start now to get ahead of other communities,” he said.
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