Landing on a highway out West

mscard88 said:
I was headed over to ATL one morning on I-20 and just across the GA line traffic stopped. Standstill. After awhile I called crew scheduling and told them I was stopped on the interstate and might not make duty-in. All of sudden maybe 10-12 cars ahead a chopper pops straight up and then heads for ATL. Obviously an accident.
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I witnessed the same thing once. Turned out to be a motorcycle accident.
 
Shepherd said:
Stay off the New York State Thruway.
It's illegal to land there without prior written permission from the Department of Transportation.
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Everything is illegal in New York.
 
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I'm not talking folks I don't care for, just people against the establishment. (If which I am against mostly, but realize some government control is needed).
 
I once went into the wrong entrance at a garbage transfer station (IT service call to work on their computers) and had ATF point their automatic weapons at me. They were incinerating some drugs, apparently. No shots were fired, though...
 
At Spence Field GA, Maule factory. Knew a T-38 IP who was working in an RSU as Moody used Spence as an aux field for pilot training. Said a Maule employee came by and told them to watch the front of the hangar. Maule began takeoff roll from inside the hangar.

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I got stopped going the wrong way on a one way street on McGuire AFB. SP (USAF police) said this is a one street, I said I was going one way! Got the ticket.
 
Marble Canyon Restaurant in Arizona, on the Colorado River has a public landing strip L41 ACROSS the highway. Closest to what you want that Ive seen. Both the landing strip and the restaurant are way cool

There used to be a car gas station on a highway you could taxi to from a taxiway at Afton airport, Wyoming and fill up.

Check state laws. It might be legal in many states. Then all you need is a place to park at the restaurant.
 
I've landed at Marble Canyon, great place! Harris Ranch is similar too, and Cedar Key.
 
Stewartb said:
I've lived in Alaska for 50 years and have never seen an airplane use a road. The reason Alaskans have so many planes is because we have so few roads, so the whole road thing is lost on me.
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I lived in AK about that long as well. I saw roads used several times over the years and used them a few times myself. Once, in southeast Anchorage... a long story. But in general, you're right. There are a lot more beaches, sandbars, etc., where you actually want to go.
 
I have seen roads used in Alaska, and used a couple myself. But the beach landings were the most fun with the slope towards the water and all.
 
Zeldman said:
I have seen roads used in Alaska, and used a couple myself. But the beach landings were the most fun with the slope towards the water and all.
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Are there other beaches elsewhere that slope away from the water? ;)
 
Lachlan said:
Are there other beaches elsewhere that slope away from the water? ;)
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There are. The beaches are pretty old though and it's gonna take bit of work to make a sandcastle.
 
Lachlan said:
Are there other beaches elsewhere that slope away from the water? ;)
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Ha. He was just commenting on the interesting directional control problems that often arise when you use beaches. When you really notice it is when you are a bit late departing and the rising tide makes your useable runway very narrow.
 
edo2000 said:
Ha. He was just commenting on the interesting directional control problems that often arise when you use beaches. When you really notice it is when you are a bit late departing and the rising tide makes your useable runway very narrow.
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Yep. The tide time table chart is an important aviation chart to have.....
 
State Statutes Pertaining to Landing on Roads in Western States
(Part 1 of 2)​
Out of curiosity and some self-interest, I have done some web research on this subject. The following is what I found (ordered roughly north-south, west-east zig-zag using my definition of western state.) Use at your own risk. I have provided links that I found most relevant and quoted as much material as possible to establish sufficient context without, I hope, over-quoting. Failure on my part to find a state law does not mean one does not exist. Nor does the finding of relevant laws mean they are the only applicable law. County and municipal laws were not searched.

Alaska​
Nothing relevant found on the net or in:
http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/statutes.asp

or (slightly easier to search and to browse to relevant sections):
http://codes.findlaw.com/ak/

Washington​
Nothing relevant found on the net or in:
http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=14.16
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/

Oregon​
Oregon has a FAQ on “Where can I land in Oregon”:
http://www.oregon.gov/aviation/pages/wherecaniland.aspx

“We get frequent questions about landing on the beach. The long stretches of smooth sand are inviting. However, landing on the beach, except in an emergency, is specifically prohibited by ORS 836.510. The coastal police departments are very aware of this and enforce it vigorously. Also, ORS 837.090 prohibits landings on public highways and other public grounds without the permission of the authorities in charge. Seaplanes can generally operate on bodies of water where motor boats are allowed. Once they are on the water they are considered to be boats, but land planes have no such privilege.

The key to landing anywhere not designated as a public-use airport, is to obtain prior permission, whether it be from the responsible private owner or public agency. No further approval is needed as long as such use is on an occasional, infrequent basis (as determined by the Department of Aviation). Of course, the user assumes all risks and liabilities. If the use is more than occasional, an airport Site Approval from ODA is necessary. “

Most relevant statute:
https://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/837.090

Except in an emergency, no person shall land aircraft on highways or public parks or other public grounds without permission from the authorities in charge thereof. [Formerly 493.180]

California​
Most relevant statute:
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PUC&sectionNum=21403.

Public Utilities Code - PUC
DIVISION 9. AVIATION [21001 - 24451]
( Division 9 added by Stats. 1953, Ch. 151. )
PART 1. STATE AERONAUTICS ACT [21001 - 21707]
( Heading of Part 1 amended by Stats. 1961, Ch. 2071. )
CHAPTER 3. Regulation of Aeronautics [21401 - 21417]
( Chapter 3 added by Stats. 1953, Ch. 151. )
21403.
(a) Flight in aircraft over the land and waters of this state is lawful, unless at altitudes below those prescribed by federal authority, or unless conducted so as to be imminently dangerous to persons or property lawfully on the land or water beneath. The landing of an aircraft on the land or waters of another, without his or her consent, is unlawful except in the case of a forced landing or pursuant to Section 21662.1. The owner, lessee, or operator of the aircraft is liable, as provided by law, for damages caused by a forced landing.

(b) The landing, takeoff, or taxiing of an aircraft on a public freeway, highway, road, or street is unlawful except in the following cases:

(1) A forced landing.

(2) A landing during a natural disaster or other public emergency if the landing has received prior approval from the public agency having primary jurisdiction over traffic upon the freeway, highway, road, or street.

(3) When the landing, takeoff, or taxiing has received prior approval from the public agency having primary jurisdiction over traffic upon the freeway, highway, road or street.

The prosecution bears the burden of proving that none of the exceptions apply to the act which is alleged to be unlawful.

(c) The right of flight in aircraft includes the right of safe access to public airports, which includes the right of flight within the zone of approach of any public airport without restriction or hazard. The zone of approach of an airport shall conform to the specifications of Part 77 of the Federal Aviation Regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation.

(Amended by Stats. 1987, Ch. 1215, Sec. 3.)

Nevada​
Most relevant statute:
https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-493.html

NRS 493.050  Lawfulness of flight and landing; liability for forced landing.
1.  Flight of an aircraft over the lands and waters of this state is lawful:
(a) Unless at such a low altitude as to interfere with the then existing use to which the land or water, or the space over the land or water, is put by the owner.
(b) Unless so conducted as to be imminently dangerous to persons or property lawfully on the land or water beneath.
(c) Unless specifically prohibited by the provisions of NRS 493.010 to 493.120, inclusive, or any regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
2.  The landing of an aircraft on the lands or waters of another, without his or her consent, is unlawful, except in the case of a forced landing. For damages caused by a forced landing, the owner, lessee or operator of the aircraft is liable as provided in NRS 493.060.
[4:66:1923; NCL § 278] — (NRS A 1991, 253; 2015, 1777)

Idaho​
Most relevant statute:
https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title21/T21CH2/SECT21-204/

TITLE 21
AERONAUTICS
CHAPTER 2
STATE LAW FOR AERONAUTICS

21-204. Lawfulness of flight. Flight in aircraft over the lands and waters of this state is lawful, unless at such a low altitude as to interfere with the then existing use to which the land or water, or the space over the land or water, is put by the owner, or unless so conducted as to be imminently dangerous to persons or property lawfully on the land or water beneath. The landing of an aircraft on the lands or waters of another, without his consent, is unlawful except in the case of a forced landing. For damages caused by a forced landing, however, the owner or lessee of the aircraft and/or the airman shall be liable, as provided in section 21-205.

History:
[(21-204) 1931, ch. 100, sec. 4, p. 178; I.C.A., sec. 21-104.]
 
State Statutes Pertaining to Landing on Roads in Western States
Part 2 of 2​

Utah​
Most relevant statutes:
https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title72/Chapter10/72-10-S116.html?v=C72-10-S116_2016051020160510

72-10-116. Restrictions on use of lands or waters of another.
(1)
(a) The landing or taking off of aircraft on or from the lands or waters of another without consent is unlawful, except in the case of a forced landing.
(b) For damages caused by a takeoff or landing, the owner, lessee of the aircraft, operator, or any of them is liable.

(2)
(a) A student pilot may not land on any area without the knowledge of the operator, instructor, or school from which the student is flying.
(b) The use of private landing fields must not impose a hazard upon the person or property of others.

https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title72/Chapter10/72-10-S117.html?v=C72-10-S117_1800010118000101

72-10-117. Aircraft landing permits -- Eligible aircraft -- Special licenses -- Rules -- Proof of insurance -- Bonds.
(1)
(a) The county executive of any county may issue permits authorizing aircraft to land on or take off from designated county roads.
(b) Permits may be issued to aircraft operated:
(i) as air ambulances;
(ii) as pesticide applicators; or
(iii) by or under contract with public utilities and used in connection with inspection, maintenance, installation, operation, construction, or repair of property owned or operated by the public utility.

(2) Permits may also be issued by the county executive to other aircraft under rules made by the division.

(3)
(a) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the division shall make rules for issuing a special license to:
(i) an aircraft permitted by a county executive to land on a county road; and
(ii) a pilot permitted to operate an aircraft licensed under this subsection from a county road.
(b) The rules made under this subsection shall include provisions for the safety of the flying and motoring public.

(4) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the department shall make rules for the landing and taking off of aircraft to which permits have been issued, which may include annual reports of activities of the aircraft.

(5) Prior to obtaining a permit or license to any aircraft, the applicant shall file with the county executive and the division a certificate of insurance executed by an insurance company or association authorized to transact business in this state upon a form prescribed by the division that there is in full force and effect a policy of insurance covering the aircraft for liability against:
(a) personal injury or death for any one person in an amount of $50,000 or more;
(b) any one accident in an amount of $100,000 or more; and
(c) property damage in an amount of $50,000 or more.

(6) In addition to the insurance required under this section, either the county executive or the division may require the posting of a bond to indemnify the county or division against liability resulting from issuing the permit or license.

Arizona​
Most relevant statute:
http://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=http://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/08278.htm

28-8278. Landing prohibition; liability
A. Landing of aircraft on lands or waters of another without consent of the owner of the lands or waters is unlawful, unless it is a forced landing.
B. The owner or lessee of the aircraft or the aeronaut is liable for damages caused by a forced landing as provided in section 28-8273.

Montana​
Most relevant statute:
http://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0670/chapter_0010/part_0020/section_0040/0670-0010-0020-0040.html

TITLE 67. AERONAUTICS
CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Part 2. Uniform Principles
Lawfulness Of Flight And Landings

67-1-204. Lawfulness of flight and landings. (1) Flight in aircraft over the lands and waters of this state is lawful, unless it is at such a low altitude as to interfere with the then-existing use to which the land or water or the space over the land or water is put by the owner or unless conducted as to be imminently dangerous to persons or property lawfully on the land or water or in violation of the air commerce regulations that have been or may be promulgated by the department of transportation of the United States.

(2) Aircraft landings and takeoffs from the public waters of this state are lawful if proper safety precautions regarding public waters, as prescribed in 14 CFR, part 91, are taken prior to the landing or takeoff, except as otherwise provided by this section.

(3) Aircraft landings and takeoffs from public roads in this state are lawful if proper safety precautions, as approved by the governing jurisdiction of the roads, are taken prior to the landing or takeoff, except as otherwise provided in this section. However, the local governing jurisdiction may not incur liability as a result of an approval under this subsection.

(4) A person may not operate an aircraft, as pilot of the aircraft, either in the air, on the water, or on the ground, in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of others, including the aircraft being operated and passengers carried in the aircraft.

(5) The willful and malicious use of aircraft in stunting or diving over livestock in a manner calculated to frighten or stampede them is an unlawful use of aircraft, and actual and punitive damages, in addition to the penalties provided by this part, may be recovered in an action for damages caused by the willful and malicious use of the aircraft. As used in this subsection, "livestock" includes ostriches, rheas, and emus.

(6) The landing of an aircraft on the private lands or waters of another without consent is unlawful, except in the case of a forced landing. For damages caused by a forced landing, however, the owner or lessee of the aircraft or the pilot is liable for actual damage caused by the forced landing.

(7) A person may not knowingly operate, attempt to operate, or be in actual physical control of an aircraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. "Under the influence" means that as a result of taking into the body alcohol, drugs, or any combination of alcohol and drugs, a person's ability to safely operate the aircraft has been diminished to the slightest degree.

(8) A person having information regarding a violation of subsection (7) shall report the information to the department.

History: En. Sec. 7, Ch. 17, L. 1929; re-en. Sec. 2736.7, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 109, L. 1939; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 16, L. 1949; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 102, L. 1963; R.C.M. 1947, 1-603; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 528, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 542, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 206, L. 1995.

Wyoming​
Most relevant statute:
http://legisweb.state.wy.us/NXT/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm

10-4-303. Low or dangerous flight; landing on land or water of another.
(a) Flight of aircraft, including unmanned aircraft, over the lands and waters of this state is lawful unless it is:
(i) At such a low altitude as to interfere with the existing use to which the land or water, or the space over the land or water, is put by the owner;
(ii) Conducted as to be imminently dangerous to persons or property lawfully on the land or water; or
(iii) In violation of the air commerce regulations promulgated by the department of transportation of the United States.
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(b) The landing of an aircraft, including an unmanned aircraft, on the lands or waters of another, without his consent, is unlawful, except in the case of a forced landing. For damages caused by a forced landing, however, the owner, operator or lessee of the aircraft or the airman shall be liable for actual damage caused by the forced landing.

(c) Except as provided in subsection (a) of this section, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent an operator or pilot from operating an aircraft, including an unmanned aircraft, over his own property.

Colorado​
Nothing relevant found on the net or in:
http://law.justia.com/codes/colorado/2016/title-41/aircraft/

New Mexico​
Nothing relevant found on the net or in:
http://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/2016/chapter-64/
 
Stewartb said:
I've lived in Alaska for 50 years and have never seen an airplane use a road. The reason Alaskans have so many planes is because we have so few roads, so the whole road thing is lost on me.
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Granted, we were working on the Slope, but....
 

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