Have any ideas or tips with dealing with angry farmers who don't see the beauty in soaring? *Also, what does the law say about our right to land on their private property? We could either land there or crash there - the glider is coming down either way. Can they legally confiscate our glider? Demand ransom or a landing fee? How do you deal with a ****ed off farmer holding a shotgun?

Thanks for any stories or insights,
Bruno - B4

So far, I've been lucky with the one exception of a crew (not the
farmer) downwind of a balloon operation, who had gotten the idea that
expensive toys dropping from the sky meant beer money all around.

Seriously, carry out if there is any issue, and don't trample the
crop.

If things get bad, I've heard "oh, yes, we carry insurance for any
damage. We'll call the adjuster out to take pictures" can often end
the conversation.

If things get nasty, yes you are trespassing and responsible for
damage, but he cannot confiscate the glider, keep you from removing
it, and certainly not use a gun. If anything remotely like that
happens, call the sheriff / police immediately as the law is on your
side here. If he does stop you from removing it, he is now
responsible for damage to the glider. That might be a good point to
make once the sheriff has arrived.

John Cochrane