Wisconsin Man Flies Helicopter To Retail Store Because Drive Was ‘Too Long’

Authorities say a Wisconsin man who traveled by helicopter to a local retailer was properly licensed and followed all applicable regulations, despite the unusual parking job prompting concern.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said a deputy responded to a report of a helicopter landing in the parking lot of a Cabela’s outdoor gear store in the Village of Richfield at around 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1. Body-worn camera video shared by the sheriff’s office shows the silver helo in an empty area of the parking lot.

The pilot, a 69-year-old Rosendale man, told the deputy he flew to Cabela’s because “the drive was too long.” Rosendale is about 52 miles north of Richfield, a journey of nearly an hour by car along Interstate 41.

The sheriff’s office said the pilot was licensed, landed safely, and complied with all applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The pilot also answered all of the deputy’s questions about helicopter landing requirements.

“The outcome? No violations. No arrests. Just a unique way to make a shopping trip to avoid all the roundabouts in front of Cabela’s,” the sheriff’s office said. “We can honestly say this isn’t your everyday parking complaint.”