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Not if the local authorities have anything to say about it. Usually very mild mannered, authority figures are having to put their foot down in regards to local noise pollution. There are eight helicopter landing pads to serve the area. These eight public helicopter landing pads are supposed to limit landings to 10 per day. Some of the more popular landing sites see more than 100 landings per day. Officials say the amount of helicopter traffic is getting out of control. People are increasingly using helicopter travel for even the shortest of trips, like they were taxis or scooters. This abuse of air travel and increase in noise pollution is causing a lot of friction among the local population. There is currently a code of good conduct in affect that was supposed to help limit the number of helicopter flights in and around the city. Unfortunately, this code of good conduct is being blatantly ignored. In 2006, June through August alone saw more than 5,000 take offs and landings, more than quadrupling the limit for an entire year. Locals began to blame the rich and famous for the increase in noise pollution, but a regional government spokesperson has stated they are not solely to blame. She claims the problem is linked to the simple fact that helicopter travel is more widely affordable for more people. She states that the wealthy in the community tend to rely on their own resources and use their own private helicopter landing pads. In regards to the shutdown of one of the sorely overused landing pads, she said "Many (helicopters) were flying very low over marinas, causing even more distress, as well as safety fears. Opposition was so great that closure was our only option, and many people in the area are calling for further shutdowns." Still, the local population seems to be on edge, even calling for the most commonly used helicopter landing pads to be shut down. The biggest complaint is the "distressing amount of noise at all times of the day." People are using helicopters to avoid traffic jams or even to run small errands or go from their villa or apartment in Monte Carlo to the beach. La Depeche du Midi newspaper printed an article recently stating that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie had sorely abused air transportation earlier this year. The couple were looking to purchase a country estate in Agen, in the Lot-et-Garonne area. They inappropriately landed in a beautifully manicured lawn of a property owner in hopes of doing business with him. The property owner was more than upset, stating "It was almost like an invasion - Brad Pitt thinks he's God." He was also clear in stating "my chateau was not even for sale." In an area where a less materialistic, gentler way of life is desired and sought after, the type of abuse of air travel plaguing this beautiful city is not looked upon favorably. In fact, many members of the local population are trying to force a complete ban on such casual helicopter travel. Many are prepared to take things into their own hands by physically stopping people from getting into their helicopters before they have time to take off. Article Source: http://www.articlewheel.com
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