Local News in Brief : Costa Mesa : Plan Panel Approves Times Copter Flights

The Costa Mesa Planning Commission has voted 5 to 0 to approve a request by The Times Orange County Edition for helicopter flights to and from the newspaper’s existing helipad between Sunflower Avenue and South Coast Drive, east of Harbor Boulevard.

The helipad has not been used since it was built more than 10 years ago.

The proposal, approved at the commission’s meeting Monday night, would allow up to 60 flights per month. The issue will be considered by the City Council on Monday. Jay Saltzberg, a member of the Planning Commission staff, said the council probably will approve the newspaper’s request.

The Canadian Insurance Co., at 3350 Harbor Blvd., has written a letter to the city opposing use of the helipad, citing potential noise problems. The Times said it would give the firm advance warning of flights.

Ernie Vitucci, general manager of The Times Orange County Edition, said the newspaper wants the helicopter flights in order to transport reporters and equipment during emergencies, and to ferry company executives, who may need to visit several Times offices in one day.

With the cost of operating a helicopter at about $800 an hour, Vitucci said it is doubtful that The Times would use the allotted two flights per day.

“We think it would be no more than about three (flights) a month in the forseeable future,” Vitucci said. He added that he expects the heliport to be used only about once a month in the beginning.