On Sunday, July 14, 2013 7:52:15 AM UTC-6, son_of_flubber wrote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wXkI4t7nuc



This video has 24 minutes of a law school professor telling you to not talk to the police, followed by 24 minutes of a senior police investigator telling you to not talk to the police. It's well done and it convinced me that once I give the police my id and my name, the next and only thing that I should say (repeatedly) is "I want to talk to my lawyer before answering that question." That may lead to my arrest, but so be it.



One exception to my rule, if I get stopped on the highway and the officer asks me "Do you know how fast you were going?" my stock reply is "I believe I was driving at a safe speed for the conditions." The purpose of the officer's question is to get me to tell him, on the record, that I was speeding. That confession would make my conviction a near certainty.

Actually not talking to the police is a bad idea on a landout. Most of what you have been taught about not talking is from a ramp checks or some type of enforcement activity. Landout's are situation where you have to shift from pilot to ambassador for soaring and flying in general. The local police did not come looking for you, you came into their jurisdiction and they are usually just doing there job. They are trying to figure out is someone hurt, is your plane damaged, did you do damage to property. Once you have addressed those they can relax.

They are going to ask for identification so they are sure who they are dealing with and for their reports. It is a good opportunity for you to educate about the sport and provide the basis information they are looking for. Be polite, explain that it was necessary for your safety to land where you did. Help secure the plane and the area so that no other property is likely to be damaged. Thank the officer for his/her help.

Yes, there are a few bad apples out there; but most officers enjoy a diversion that is unique.