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Friday, March 29, 2024 - 04:46 AM

INDEPENDENT CONSERVATIVE VOICE OF UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA

First Published in 1994

INDEPENDENT CONSERVATIVE VOICE OF
UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA

National Guard Helicopters to Train with Sling Load of 25,000 Pounds Concrete

EdPaxton_Page-03A South Carolina National Guard helicopter unit has moved to a facility at the former Donaldson Air Force Base. A spokesman for the military unit has informed Greenville County Council that the facility originally thought to be for helicopter maintenance, will also be involved in training crews to lift and transport heavy sling loads.

It is estimated that 40 or more takeoffs per week are planned. Some of the takeoffs will involve lifting 25,000 pounds of concrete by sling and transporting the loads to several airports, including Anderson, Greenwood, Oconee and Pickens.

The South Carolina National Guard also plans to fly low-level helicopter training exercises at altitudes of less than 500 feet. These exercises will reportedly be flown over the Sumter National Forest in Newberry, Union and Laurens Counties and the DuPont State Forest near Hendersonville, North Carolina.

Ed Paxton, a citizen who resides near Donaldson, is concerned about both the noise and safety issues involved. Northern Greenville County residents including Lib Tickle, who has expressed concerns to Greenville County Council during public sessions, have joined Paxton.

Paxton has accused Greenville County officials of misleading the public on the impact of the helicopters on the residents of

the county.

Councilman “Butch” Kirven, a retired South Carolina National Guard General, has attempted to assure the public that any problems involving noise and safety will be negligible.

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