On Mon, 9 Jul 2007 09:13:38 -0700, "Gatt" wrote
in :


"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.

I'd be interested in seeing the law that leads you to that conclusion.

Flying under a bridge and putting citizens at risk probably qualifies.

Who judges if citizens were put at risk?

What regulation specifically forbids flying under bridges?

Also, was the landing on the sand bar "forced" or would the helicopter have
followed to the nearest airfield.

The news account used the word 'force.'

Sounds like a pilot like that could land
on a freeway or somewhere and say "Well, gee, they FORCED me to."


What leads you to that conclusion?