Helen helicopter service owner says he's making changes

CLEVELAND - A man whose helicopter flight service over northern White County has angered many residents in Helen and Roberstown took his plans for some changes in operation to the county commission Monday night... hoping to help ease the tension between him and the people he has made angry.

Jim Garst, owner of a Sevierville, Tenn. helicopter service that operates in White County, sat quietly in a packed Grand Jury Room at the White County Courthouse Monday as residents of Helen and Roberstown bombarded County Commissioners with complaints about the business. Garst then stood up and told the commissioners that he has already made some changes. 

The residents earlier had challenged the authority for the helicopter to take off and land at a flea market north of Helen.

Garst told the commissioners he has approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to take off and land. Garst also told the commissioners since talking with Pastor Michael Wilkes at Center Baptist Church in Roberstown, the helicopter will not take off until after noon on Sundays. He also has changed the routes and altitude for the flights. Garst then said if anyone is unhappy and doesnâ