Mike Pence asks FAA not to close the Indianapolis Downtown Heliport

The Federal Aviation Administration is considering a proposal to permanently close the Indianapolis Downtown Heliport, 51 S. New Jersey Street, near the intersection of Washington and Southeast Street — about five blocks southeast of Monument Circle.

The proposal was submitted in 2020 by the Indianapolis Airport Authority, which requested they be released from their obligations to the heliport and for the property to be sold for redevelopment.

"For many years, there has been declining aeronautical use of the Heliport with many local news stations and public safety officials ceasing their operations at this facility," said an IAA spokesperson in a message Friday to IndyStar.

Opposed to shuttering the heliport is former U.S. vice president Mike Pence.

"For years, the heliport has well-served the greater Indianapolis community as a vital asset for public safety and economic development, providing a critical link for emergency response operations — from medical to law enforcement to natural disaster response — and opening doors of opportunity for visitors and downtown businesses," Pence wrote in a letter dated early March.

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The former Indiana governor joined others who expressed similar views on shuttering the heliport.

"The Indianapolis Airport Authority has claimed that the proposed closure of the heliport would have a positive impact on civil aviation. We strenuously object," wrote Cade Clark, vice president of government affairs for Helicopter Association International, which said it represents more than 1,100 companies in the helicopter industry.

Clark wrote that while Indianapolis' heliport is "underutilized in its current state," its potential use was a boon to Hoosiers. He cited the heliport supports organ transplants for emergency medical services, provides access to sporting complexes, and, due to its downtown location, can be used as a staging area in times of natural disaster or emergency.

IAA: Heliport currently has only one tenant

According to the IAA, the financial burden of operating the downtown Indianapolis heliport outweighs the public good provided by the cost of serving its single tenant.

"Currently, the heliport’s sole aeronautical tenant is Indiana University Health with their LifeLine operations and the IAA is working closely with them on a relocation plan," a spokesperson said, who added that selling the heliport will put the property back on the tax rolls and help to drive economic growth and job creation.

As of Friday, the FAA is reviewing up to 270 messages and public comments regarding the heliport's closure.

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John Tufts covers evening breaking and trending news for the Indianapolis Star. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Mike Pence asks FAA not to close downtown Indianapolis heliport