eye in the sky

[UncleBubba]

I did some work on my boat then whet over to Lake Istokpoga, to run it. It was around 9:30 am there was a state boat on the lake when I got there. I was on my back to the landing I herd another prop sound. I looked around and there was the man in the sky. I was tring to get my camra out of the case, by the time I got it out he was gone.

 

[blackpowderscout]

Last year on the first day of gun season, I was hunting off of Lake Hatchineha about 250 yards from a fence on the other side of which is property owned by some big money guy in Osceola county.

I wasn't there 15 minutes when here comes the Osceola county sheriff's helicopter and he starts circling me at about twice the treetop level. This went on for about 10 minutes and I got fed up. I decided he obviously didn't think I should there so I got down and walked straight to that fence and started walking the edge of it. HE FLIPPED OUT!!! He brought that chopper down to right at tree top level and started to practically hover over me. After some gesturing back and forth between us he flew off and got in my boat and went to hunt somewhere else.

As I was on my way I passed the pilot who had landed and was talking with some other deputies. Don't know if he ran low on fuel or what but I know he wasn't happy with me...but I didn't break any laws. BTW I got a deer a few hours later :wink:

 

[BigBoom]

You should have called the FAA and reported him for wreckless and unsafe operation. The feds don't like the locals much more than we do. There is an 800 number to report any pilot operating in an unsafe manner. Get his number off the aircraft if you can.

FAA's SAFETY HOTLINE (1-800-255-1111) Provides nationwide, toll-free telephone service. It is intended for those in the aviation industry having specific knowledge of alleged violations of the Federal Aviation Regulations. The identities of callers are held in confidence, protected from disclosure under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.

 

[Croc1]

it is against FAA regs to fly within 500' of any person or animal but the MAN is probably exempt

 

[marshmaster pat]

They can get away with getting closer, but they still have to answer the paper work. Make that happen enough and they will start thinking twice. Another issue is get the number of the bird, and write your congressman as a polite but upset taxpayer. They will make the MAN answer you typically.

I have an old high school buddy that is flying for Customs Service. They have had to answer complaints and they are higher ranking than the MAN.

Also know a landowner that made the Federal Duck Biologists meet him and discuss with him what they were doing at 200 feet by his property. The congressman aide set up and attended the meeting.