Helicopter bride lands company in trouble
A bride’s desire to make a grand entrance at her wedding has led to a helicopter company getting into trouble with the aviation authorities.
China’s civil aviation authority has “limited the operations” of a local general aviation company after one of its helicopters set down on a local bridge on Sunday to pick up the bride, causing a traffic jam, officials said yesterday.
The punitive measure means some of the company’s aircraft will be grounded for an unspecified period of time.
The East China Regional Administration of the Civil Aviation Administration of China found that the Shanghai Kingwing General Aviation Co had safety issues it needs to address, according to its official website.
“The company has ignored safety risks and jeopardized the public,” the administration said, adding that it has summoned senior company officials to discuss how the problems can be rectified.
The helicopter landed on Liuzaogang Bridge on Nanyuan Road in Pudong New Area on Sunday to pick up the bride and take her to the ceremony.
Security guards used red ropes to cordon off an area for the helicopter to land and take off safely, causing traffic congestion for almost an hour.
Angry drivers notified the police.
It has been reported that the newlyweds came up with the plan as a way to symbolize their “heaven-sent luck.”
The incident also angered many members of the public after photos taken by drivers were posted on the Internet. However, the pilot of the helicopter said the company had been granted a permit for the flight after submitting a safety plan for the landing to the administration.
A company official said the pickup service costs 20,000 (US$3,000) to 60,000 yuan per hour, depending on the type of helicopter.
The administration said it is still investigating the incident and that the carrier could be fined or face other punitive measures.
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