Some LV helicopter, limo operators say they weren’t told of warning

Jace Radke and Lynn Doan

Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004 | 11:10 a.m.

Some Las Vegas helicopter tour and limousine operators say they were not informed by law enforcement about an FBI bulletin released Friday warning that terrorists could be planning to turn helicopters and limousines into weapons.

John Becker, chief operating officer of Papillon Helicopters, said that he heard about the bulletin from the media.

"I assume that if there is a threat that I need to know about, my government is going to tell me," Becker said. "Maybe it is focused on New York, but I'd still like to know about it."

Special Agent Dave Nanz, a local FBI spokesman, said that there is no threat to Las Vegas-based helicopters or limousines. He said that the FBI and the local Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes Metro Police, got the bulletin Friday, and that the FBI began contacting tour operators on Monday to make sure they had heard about the information.

"We are in the process of liaising with the companies and letting them know if they haven't already heard," Nanz said.

Helicopters and limousines could both help terrorists get closer to targeted buildings, the FBI warnings said.

The bulletins came out of information that Pakistan gave American officials that al-Qaida has considered using tourist helicopters in terror attacks on New York City.

The FBI says it has no credible, specific evidence about the method, timing or location of any al-Qaida attack inside the United States. But the bulletins come amid a steady stream of intelligence indicating that the terror group intends to strike in the months leading to the Nov. 2 presidential election. The reconnaissance missions that the information is based on appear to have been conducted by al-Qaida three or four years ago, according to the New York Times.

Paulina Salen, owner of limousine service Celebrity Coaches, said she would have appreciated an alert from authorities about possible limousine hijackings. Instead, Salen said, she didn't know her limousine company was at risk until this morning, when she heard a news report on television.

Still, Salen said there isn't much she can do except instruct her drivers to be more aware. She said she is more worried about a drop in business.

"Obviously, it's going to have an impact on limo rentals, and it will be a hassle because the hotels will react and do a lot of spot checking," she said. "But you can't really live in fear, just be more vigilant and careful."

Officials with Las Vegas Helicopter Inc. said that they had been informed by authorities about the bulletin, but declined to comment further.