Would you?

[JHO]

If the worst happened and there was a quiet 3 carriage way road below would you land on it? would you be more inclined to if you knew the road and were aware that there were no carriage way lights or pylons to hit.

[IO540]

Definitely.

[BackPacker]

Depends on the surrounding terrain I guess. Sometimes you don't have a choice. But I would prefer an unobstructed field over a road - there's too many things on the side of the road that are too small to see from the air, yet substantial enough to ruin your day.

[mary meagher]

Ask that chap who landed on the road near Wellesbourne - last week, was it?

Answer to the question: we usually land in fields. However, if in Texas, or Florida, land on the road! Reason? Texas fields are, in West Texas, full of rocks and cacti, in East Texas, likely to be a swamp. In Florida, either orange groves, shopping centres, or the Everglades - swamped again!

But in the UK, plenty of suitable fields....depends on the glide ratio, of course.

[soaringhigh650]

or the Everglades - swamped again!

And if you end up in the swamps, there are plenty of crocs lurking beneath! :}

[PilotPieces]

As long as it wasnt in the congestion charge zone.

[Runaway Gun]

Nah - I'd just pee into an empty water bottle, and continue to my destination. :ok:

[Pilot DAR]

Yup, I have many times.

You HAVE to know the area though, or the surprise could be very dangerous and expensive. The safety of those "innocent" citizens on the ground is very much your responsibility. Let alone the risk of actually hitting someone, the simpl risk of them having an accident 'cause they were watching you do something unusual, is still your moral responsibility.

The authories may take an interest, so plan how you'll deal with that. If that aircraft is not one you own, also think about what you'll tell the owner! If you miss (or indeed - hit) something, and do damage, your insurance company might find a awy out of paying a claim. If you're breaking an air regulation (or other reg) by landing, the clause which probably says if you're breaking an air reg, you're no longer insured, will probably come into effect. Can you afford the damage yourself?

[IO540]

In the UK, I have not heard of any legal reason for avoiding a road. There was a pilot forum tale that the CAA pull your license after that but that is false.

I guess lighting and other overhead stuff are the real problem. On a single or a dual carriageway, the distance between the lights is not all that much more than the typical wingspan (10m) and if you hit anything you will probably lose control but you won't be low enough yet at that point in time.

[flybymike]

If the worst happened and there was a quiet 3 carriage way road below

I have heard it argued that it doesn't really matter whether the road is quiet.
The thinking is that in the case of a motorway, touchdown speeds will be similar to vehicle speeds. As you swoop down to land, traffic approaching behind you (as well as being somewhat surprised) will naturally brake, whilst traffic already in front will in any event be accelerating away from you, either oblivious to your presence, or with alarm at the sight in their rear view mirror.

[liam548]

At night it is your only real option and I would not think twice!