Okaloosa County acts to comply with FAA compliance order

On Thursday, April 13, 2023, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners approved an operating agreement with Timberview Helicopters allowing them to resume commercial operations out of Destin Executive Airport (DTS) due to a ruling by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) earlier this year. 

The vote took place following an Executive Session during a Special Meeting at the Okaloosa County Administration Building. 

In 2021, in an effort to address various concerns related to Timberview tour helicopter operations, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners took action that resulted in terminating the operating agreement with Timberview Helicopters. Timberview filed a Part 16 Complaint with the FAA challenging the County’s termination of their operating agreement. 

In a Feb. 21, 2023 ruling by the FAA, six out of the seven claims filed by Timberview were dismissed. The FAA ruled in Timberview’s favor on one claim. The FAA’s decision required the County to allow Timberview to resume commercial operations at DTS.