Montana National Guard planning helicopter base in Billings
Montana National Guard expanding helicopter presence in Billings
and last updated 2021-07-22 21:14:57-04
Montana has among the biggest gaps in the country as far as helicopter coverage from the National Guard.
In order to respond quicker, the Montana National Guard has plans to set up in Billings.
Montana National Guard will set up at Billings Flying Service, possibly in 2022.
KTVQ photo
The Guard wants to put part of its helicopter operation in Billings to make it easier to respond to the eastern part of the state.
The plan is set up in a hangar at Billings Flying Service.
Santa Claus will start Billings flyover at 5:15 p.m. Christmas Eve
Q2 News / Mitch Lagge
The lights that comprise Santa s reindeer await their flight around the city at Billings Flying Service Wednesday.
and last updated 2020-12-23 20:11:55-05
BILLINGS â Santa Claus will make his annual flight around Billings, Lockwood, and Laurel starting at 5:15 p.m. on Christmas Eve, a source close to the Christmas icon told Q2 on Wednesday.
Since about 1980, Santa has gotten a bit of help on his journey from pilots with the Blain family, who own Billings Flying Service. The company s pilots are usually out fighting wildfires or lifting heavy objects into tight places, but their part-time job is to spread cheer on Christmas Eve.
CONFIRMED: Santa Will Fly Over Billings Christmas Eve
News posted on the Billings Christmas Lights website has confirmed that Santa will be flying over the Magic City again this year (weather permitting), thanks to the special elves at Billings Flying Service. As of today (12/21) the forecast for Christmas Eve looks agreeable for his magical flight.
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Santa is expected to hit the sky around 5:15 pm on Christmas Eve. His general route will be: Blue Creek Road area to the Southside, then off to Lockwood, Downtown, Billings Heights, West End (Rimrock area), Laurel, West End (Zoo MT area) and finally returning near Blue Creek. He usually flies over my neighborhood right between our traditional Christmas Eve dinner and church.