A 69-year-old Wisconsin pilot found a faster way to go shopping Saturday night — by helicopter.
Dennis Pipping of Rosendale touched down in the parking lot of the Cabela’s in Richfield around 6 p.m. on August 1, drawing a quick response from Washington County Sheriff’s deputies after multiple calls about an aircraft landing outside the outdoor store.
When a deputy approached, Pipping offered a simple explanation: “The drive was too long.”
The roughly 50-mile trip from Rosendale typically takes 50 to 60 minutes by car. Pipping made it in under 20 minutes in his Robinson R44 helicopter.
Sheriff’s officials confirmed the pilot was properly licensed, landed safely in an empty section of the lot, and followed all applicable FAA regulations. He cooperated fully and even referenced federal rules allowing helicopters greater flexibility when no hazard is present. No citations were issued and no one was arrested.
“The outcome? No violations. No arrests,” the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said in a post that included body-camera footage. “Just a unique way to make a shopping trip to avoid all the roundabouts in front of Cabela’s. We can honestly say this isn’t your everyday parking complaint.”
Pipping, who has held a private pilot’s license since 1984 and flies several times a week for both work and recreation, said the decision was partly practical and partly for fun. He invited a neighbor along and was shopping for bowhunting supplies. Before landing, he called the store and circled the lot to make sure it was clear.
“It’s no different than taking your snowmobile in the winter and going to a restaurant and getting something to eat,” Pipping later told reporters. “Part of it is for fun, and the other part is a lot faster. Why would you drive if you can fly there in a helicopter?”
He noted that people usually react positively when he lands somewhere unexpected. This time the story spread further than he expected once the sheriff’s video circulated.
Pipping has since spoken with Cabela’s management, who raised no objections and even joked about wanting a ride next time.
