Fudruckers Heliport

The heliport's closure is directly linked to economic reasons, specifically the permanent closure of the Fuddruckers restaurant on whose property it was located. The heliport was not a standalone entity but an operational feature associated with the restaurant and the helicopter tour companies that used it as a base. When the host business ceased operations, the heliport was also closed.

The site is now a vacant commercial property. The Fuddruckers restaurant building at 108 Fording Ct Dr remains, but it is closed and the property has been listed for sale or lease. The large parking lot area where helicopter operations were conducted shows no remaining helipad markings or signs of aviation activity. The site is completely inactive.

The Fudruckers Heliport was a privately owned, visual flight rules (VFR) heliport. Its primary function was to serve as a base for commercial helicopter tour operators. Companies offered scenic tours to tourists over the Destin harbor, coastline, and the Gulf of Mexico. Its significance was purely local and commercial, acting as a unique tourist attraction that combined dining with an aviation experience. Operations typically involved small, single-engine helicopters, such as the Robinson R44, which are common in the flight-seeing industry. The ICAO code 'US-11272' is a non-official identifier used by third-party databases and not an official FAA or ICAO designation.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the heliport. Its existence was contingent on the former business. Any future use of the property would be determined by a new owner or tenant, and it is highly unlikely to be re-established as a heliport, especially under the 'Fudruckers Heliport' name.