FAA suspends Bruno Vassel's Pilot Certificate

[quote=Roy B.;t policy ended a few years ago.

To restate what KS said, the only difference between us and Bruno is that Bruno got caught. I got caught too (low level flying in a J3 Cub within 500' of a Park Ranger I never saw). s.

ROY[/QUOTE]

So motoring down a ridge is infraction if hikers are there ?????

So motoring down a ridge is infraction if hikers are there ?????


That is correct. read FAR 91.119 (c):

"Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an aircraft below the following altitudes:

(c) Over other than congested areas. An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.

Like I said, everyone who has ever been down a ridge with a "structure" or a "person" on it has violated this section. Most don't get caught . . . Some do.

ROY

At 01:05 29 June 2020, Roy B. wrote:


So motoring down a ridge is infraction if hikers are there ?????


That is correct. read FAR 91.119 (c):

"Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may
operate an aircraft below the following altitudes:


(c) Over other than congested areas. An altitude of 500 feet above
the
surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In
those
cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any
person,
vessel, vehicle, or structure.

Like I said, everyone who has ever been down a ridge with a
"structure" or
a "person" on it has violated this section. Most don't get caught . . .
Some do.

ROY

In the UK we have a get out clause

The Civil Aviation Authority permits, under SERA.3105 and
SERA.5005(f) a glider to fly below 150 metres (500 feet) above the
ground or water or closer than 150 metres (500 feet) to any
person, vessel, vehicle or structure if it is hill-soaring.

http://publicapps.caa.co.uk/modalapplication.aspx?
catid=1&pagetype=65&appid=11&mode=detail&id=7417

Stephen

On Sunday, June 28, 2020 at 6:05:27 PM UTC-7, Roy B. wrote:

So motoring down a ridge is infraction if hikers are there ?????


That is correct. read FAR 91.119 (c):

"Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an aircraft below the following altitudes:

(c) Over other than congested areas. An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.

Like I said, everyone who has ever been down a ridge with a "structure" or a "person" on it has violated this section. Most don't get caught . . . Some do.

ROY

I believe that for Gliders, down a ridge with structure or people is legal if it is your only legitimate source of lift, because according to FAR 91.3 B: In an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action, the pilot in command may deviate from any rule of this part to the extent required to meet that emergency. But per part C, you may have to defend it.

Dated info now, but 30ish years ago at Torrey Pines a friend did a wingover directly in front of the windows of the Cal Fisheries building (which is built on the edge of the cliff providing lift). I can't imagine a better seat for an airshow, and yes, it generated a visit from the FAA. The pilot stated that the wingover was necessary to keep the glider within the narrow band of lift offered by the steep ridge and that it was the only way to maintain enough altitude to affect a safe landing. No enforcement action followed.

And as others have said, Bruno, thanks for all the great videos, and for bringing this to everyone's attention. Glad your back up in the air!
-Greg

On Sunday, June 28, 2020 at 7:43:12 PM UTC-5, Delta8 wrote:
Roy B.;t policy ended a few years ago.

To restate what KS said, the only difference between us and Bruno is that Bruno got caught. I got caught too (low level flying in a J3 Cub within 500' of a Park Ranger I never saw). s.

ROY[/QUOTE Wrote:


So motoring down a ridge is infraction if hikers are there ?????




--
Delta8

Gotta watch out for those "pesky park rangers, Yogi".