FLORIDA Man Cited for Landing Helicopter in Friend's Backyard as Birthday Surprise
[quote]A South Florida man thought it would be a cool idea to surprise a friend on her birthday by landing his helicopter in her backyard. Authorities were not amused, and surprised Kfir "Leo" Baranes with a citation. Now, Baranes is fighting the ticket in court, according to the Sun-Sentinel.
Baranes said the Coral Springs neighborhood is not restricted airspace as defined by the Federal Aviation Administration. Since he has a pilot's license, Baranes argued he should be free to take off and land wherever he pleases.
“(Restricted space) has to be on the map,” Baranes told the Sun-Sentinel. “How am I supposed to know a certain area is restricted?
“It’s private property. Why should the city prevent that?”
FAA spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen told the newspaper the only restricted airspace in South Florida is over Palm Beach when President Donald Trump is in town.
"There is no FAA regulation that would prohibit the landing, if the pilot had the approval of the property owner and it was a safe operation,” Bergen told the Sun-Sentinel.
However, Bergen said Baranes would have needed approval from the Florida Department of Transportation to land the helicopter "at an unapproved heliport." [/quote]
https://www.wftv.com/news/trending-now/florida-man-cited-for-landing-helicopter-in-friend-s-backyard-as-birthday-surprise/977339648
Baranes said the Coral Springs neighborhood is not restricted airspace as defined by the Federal Aviation Administration. Since he has a pilot's license, Baranes argued he should be free to take off and land wherever he pleases.
“(Restricted space) has to be on the map,” Baranes told the Sun-Sentinel. “How am I supposed to know a certain area is restricted?
“It’s private property. Why should the city prevent that?”
FAA spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen told the newspaper the only restricted airspace in South Florida is over Palm Beach when President Donald Trump is in town.
"There is no FAA regulation that would prohibit the landing, if the pilot had the approval of the property owner and it was a safe operation,” Bergen told the Sun-Sentinel.
However, Bergen said Baranes would have needed approval from the Florida Department of Transportation to land the helicopter "at an unapproved heliport." [/quote]
https://www.wftv.com/news/trending-now/florida-man-cited-for-landing-helicopter-in-friend-s-backyard-as-birthday-surprise/977339648
36-40, F
