Copters for Fewer Dollars?

In Park City, Utah, the Sundance Film Festival has begun. It is a well known event that thousands of people attend to see new films. However, all the traffic and snow can be horrendous when trying to get to the theaters. People think taking an Uber there would be easier. However, it’s not; Ubers cost a lot of money and take a long time to get to your destination. According to the Park Record Newspaper, there have been two helicopters flying around Park City.

Over the period of 48 hours, there have been 15,000 trips taken. Apparently, flying a helicopter is cheaper than taking an Uber. The helicopter rides cost $200 for a day trip and $300 for a night trip. Unfortunately, people have been using the helicopters irresponsibly. Instead of landing them on helipads, they are landing them on private property.

There have been many complaints to the county. And because of the riot they have caused, the Park City Police will arrest any pilots that land a helicopter on private property and will impound the helicopter.

After some questioning, we got multiple opinions from people. Mrs. Jenkins, vice principal of Treasure Mountain Junior High (TMJH), said that we should have a voice on the opinion, and the helicopters should just land somewhere safe. Mrs. Payne, a math teacher said that she’s in favor of it, as long as people are responsible and contact the owners before landing on property. Ethan, Halle and Sharay, students at TMJH also gave their opinions. Ethan said that he doesn’t mind the copters, unless people are being irresponsible, but he would rather have someone create a designated place for people to land. It’s either that or make Uber rides cheaper, to prevent issues. Halle, said that she really doesn’t like it because they fly over her house often, and it is very loud. Lastly, Sharay said that she agrees that they should have a license.

Even though this whole event has caused controversy, taking the Uber Copters is a more efficient way to get around. And hopefully, all these problems will be solved, and people can just go back to enjoying the fun Sundance Film Festival.



Sources:

The Salt Lake Tribune

Fox 13 Salt Lake City

The Park Record

Students, teachers, and faculty at Treasure Mountain Junior High School.


By: Julianna Foltynowicz and Brianna Miller