An abandoned helicopter will be up for auction by the Susanville Police department. They are selling a 1977 model helicopter abandoned in one of the airport hangars. The helicopter was left behind when a local air ambulance company ceased operations. Since then, airport volunteers have worked to clean up and restore the abandoned hangar and work towards selling the helicopter. As the city governs the airport, anything that is left behind becomes acquired by the city, and a formal process to liquidate the property must begin.
A buyer was found with the help of the volunteers and was ready with a check in hand. Yet, the city learned through legal counsel that they must go through a public auction. The interested buyer has attended many city council meetings to expedite the process explaining his intentions to purchase the helicopter and possibly start a flight school. Mayor McCourt thanked the airport volunteer for helping the council move forward with the process.
If there are other interests in the helicopter, it can be seen by making an appointment from February 22 to March 9. If you wish to place a bid for the helicopter, it must be submitted in a sealed envelope labeled “Unclaimed Property Bid” and should include your name, address, phone number, and proposed bid amount. Bids must be turned in to the Airport Manager by 5:00 P.M. on March 10. You can also mail your bid to the airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not registered the equipment. However, the city will give a bill of sale, but the buyer will be responsible for its registration and any associated fees.
The city will publicly open bids at City Hall on March 13, at 9:00 A.M. If your bid is accepted, you will have ten days of receiving notification of the award to pay in full. Payment should be made to the City of Susanville, c/o Police Chief Cochran.
Photo: Stock image, this is not the aircraft listed for auction
