"Larry Dighera" wrote in message
...

While I have little sympathy for the alleged reckless and dangerous
aircraft operation by the pilot in this case, I do wonder just how
safe it is for a the sheriff to force a landing on a sand bar in the
Sacramento River?

I also wonder by what authority the sheriff was authorized to order
the aircraft down off-airport.

If he perceives an emergency, he may be no more bound to get FAA
authorization than the military might be to intercept a hostile aircraft.
Flying under a bridge and putting citizens at risk probably qualifies.
Also, was the landing on the sand bar "forced" or would the helicopter have
followed to the nearest airfield. Sounds like a pilot like that could land
on a freeway or somewhere and say "Well, gee, they FORCED me to."

-c