Heavy hand again?

On Saturday, July 13, 2013 9:18:18 PM UTC-7, Frank Whiteley wrote:
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2...dger-mountain/

Update:

I can understand why citizens might be concerned about civil rights issues. Law enforcement officers are charged not only with enforcing the law, but also protecting our rights. As you can see by the medical and fire vehicles in the photo, protecting life and property are at the top our priority list. In this case, the law does support the requirement that pilots provide permit or license information to law enforcement. The article was brief, yet the whole incident was fairly complex and there was more going on than most people would know. Had the pilot simply provided some rudementary information, our job would have been to make sure everyone was safe, help the pilot get his glider off the field, and ensure the farmer who owned the land was involved in the process and that his rights were respected. I am grateful the pilot was not injured, there was minimal property damage, and the landowner was extremely gracious in allowing the pilot's friends to remove the glider.

I've attached the RCW regarding the responsibilities of pilots. I hope anyone with questions or concerns about our operations will do me the service on giving me a call or stopping by our office.

Best Regards,

Sheriff Harvey Gjesdal

RCW 47.68.230

Aircraft, airman, and airwoman certificates required.

It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or cause or authorize to be operated any civil aircraft within this state unless such aircraft has an appropriate effective certificate, permit, or license issued by the United States, if such certificate, permit, or license is required by the United States, and a current registration certificate issued by the secretary of transportation, if registration of the aircraft with the department of transportation is required by this chapter. It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in aeronautics as an airman or airwoman in the state unless the person has an appropriate effective airman or airwoman certificate, permit, rating, or license issued by the United States authorizing him or her to engage in the particular class of aeronautics in which he or she is engaged, if such certificate, permit, rating, or license is required by the United States.

Where a certificate, permit, rating, or license is required for an airman or airwoman by the United States, it shall be kept in his or her personal possession when he or she is operating within the state. Where a certificate, permit, or license is required by the United States or by this chapter for an aircraft, it shall be carried in the aircraft at all times while the aircraft is operating in the state and shall be conspicuously posted in the aircraft where it may be readily seen by passengers or inspectors. Such certificates shall be presented for inspection upon the demand of any peace officer, or any other officer of the state or of a municipality or member, official, or employee of the department of transportation authorized pursuant to this chapter to enforce the aeronautics laws, or any official, manager, or person in charge of any airport, or upon the reasonable request of any person.

Seems pretty clear.

Anyone heard Vitek's perspective.

On Sunday, July 14, 2013 12:18:18 AM UTC-4, Frank Whiteley wrote:
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2...dger-mountain/

So, based on what the sheriff said, if you do not produce identification, you will be arrested. I fly with my license in the side pouch of the glider. How many of you know how many documents are required inside an aircraft? A lot more than you think.

mas

Several years ago I landed out in a somewhat populated area (not your average cow pasture 50 miles from civilization, but near town). A sheriff car stopped on the road about 200 yards away and I walked over to meet them. They were curious about why a glider would land there, but when I explained that sometimes we don't read the wind right and can't get home to the airport one sheriff turned to the other and said, "hey, just like hot air balloons! They are at the mercy of the wind!" I didn't disabuse them of the notion -- just asked them to stop traffic when the trailer arrived so we could do a U-turn in the road and drive out to the glider. No harm no foul.

On Saturday, July 13, 2013 9:18:18 PM UTC-7, Frank Whiteley wrote:
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2...dger-mountain/

Hi fellow pilots,
Regarding the arrest and a citation of obstructing a law enforcement officer following my glider landout on July 12, 2013.
The County irrevocably dismissed the citation on July 29, while I agreed not to sue them. Thanks go to my lawyer.
Safe soaring, Vitek Siroky

On Wednesday, July 31, 2013 6:15:06 PM UTC-6, wrote:
On Saturday, July 13, 2013 9:18:18 PM UTC-7, Frank Whiteley wrote:

http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2...dger-mountain/



Hi fellow pilots,

Regarding the arrest and a citation of obstructing a law enforcement officer following my glider landout on July 12, 2013.

The County irrevocably dismissed the citation on July 29, while I agreed not to sue them. Thanks go to my lawyer.

Safe soaring, Vitek Siroky

Good news. Too bad about the hassle.

Frank Whiteley