The South Carolina National Guard has temporarily suspended eight Apache helicopter pilots while it reviews the flight profile of four AH-64 Apaches that participated in the July 4 "Salute from the Shore" event, officials confirmed Thursday.
What changed for residents
The suspensions remove the pilots from flight duties pending the outcome of the Guard's review. Maj. Lisa Allen, speaking for the Guard, said the action is routine during such reviews and emphasized that safety is the top priority.
"As is routine, the pilots involved in the flight have been temporarily suspended from flight duties pending the outcome of this review," Maj. Lisa Allen said in a statement.
The "Salute from the Shore" annual event showcases a military flyover that the event website says stretches the length of South Carolina's coast. This year's display included helicopters for the first time, according to local reporting.
Regulatory context and the complaint
The Federal Aviation Administration requires fixed-wing aircraft to remain at least 500 feet above open water, but that minimum does not apply to helicopters. Maj. Allen said she could not comment on questions about altitude or FAA regulations in this instance. An anonymous source close to one of the pilots told WPDE the person who submitted the complaint did not specify a reason.
- Personnel affected: Eight pilots
- Aircraft involved: Four Apache helicopters
- Event: Salute from the Shore, July 4
Political reaction
Republican U.S. Rep. Russell Fry of South Carolina publicly criticized the suspensions on social media, saying the pilots should be praised rather than investigated and urging the National Guard to reinstate them immediately.
"These pilots should be celebrated, not sanctioned," Rep. Russell Fry wrote.
The Guard's statement framed the suspensions as a standard step while officials examine flight safety reports.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of pilots suspended | 8 |
| Number of helicopters | 4 |
| Event | Salute from the Shore (July 4) |
The investigation's scope and timeline were not disclosed. The Guard said it takes all reports regarding flight safety seriously and that the safety of personnel and communities flown over remains its top concern.
Officials have not released names of the pilots or detailed findings from the flight-profile review. News Block will update this report as additional information becomes available from the South Carolina National Guard or federal aviation authorities.
