A 69-year-old Wisconsin man recently drew the attention of bystanders, as well as the police, when he flew a helicopter to Cabela’s and landed in the parking lot because “the drive was too long.”
On Saturday at around 6 p.m., a Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy was called to the Cabela’s in Richfield, Wisconsin, because someone had just landed a helicopter in the parking lot.
“After making contact with the pilot, a 69-year-old Rosendale man, the deputy learned he had flown to Cabela’s because, in his words, ‘the drive was too long,'” the Washington County Sheriff’s Office wrote on Facebook alongside body camera footage of the bizarre encounter.
According to the sheriff’s office, the pilot was fully licensed, made a safe landing, complied with all relevant FAA standards, and took the time to respond to the deputy’s inquiries regarding 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 added in its post. “We can honestly say this isn’t your everyday parking complaint.”
What did the man fly his helicopter to Cabela’s to purchase?
For the record, the trip from the man’s home in Rosendale, Wisconsin, to the Cabela’s in Richfield, Wisconsin, is about 53 miles by car. Also, for those unfamiliar, Cabela’s is a retailer that specializes in hunting, fishing, boating, camping and other outdoor recreation. It would be very interesting to learn exactly what the man had planned to purchase after he got there by helicopter.
Many in the comments also wondered about that, made suggestions, and in multiple cases, admitted they would do the same thing if they had access to a helicopter.
“Burning question. WHAT did he buy?!” one Facebook user asked.
“A pack of cigs and 2 packs of beef jerky. Because he can lol,” read one answer.
“3 kayaks,” another person suggested, while someone else commented, “A new boat to pull behind the helicopter.”
“Ammo & a new gun. Definitely ammo at least. Helicopters and guns just go well together, especially hog hunting,” another viewer offered.
“I strive to be ‘the drive is too long, I’ll take my helicopter’ type of rich,” another comment wrote, speaking for many others.