Landing in a field
 

I know that for helicopters, owners permission and a call to the police and you are good to land pretty much anywhere.

What's the score with a STOL aeroplane?!

Have thumbed through my old air law books, and trawled internet but haven't found anything.

Thanks for any replies!

Sam.

You don't even need to call the police (unless they own the field or you plan to land directly from abroad).
You just need the landowners permission.
SB

...in an aeroplane, you are sure?!

Sam.

What's it got to do with anybody apart from you and the landowner?

Though calls to local plods and D&D to save them the bother of coming to drag you from the supposed wreckage might be in order depending where you are.

One has to ensure you are covered by Insurance for landing at unlicensed strips!

Sam,

It is generally a good idea to survey the field on foot prior to landing. Mole drains, uneven surfaces, etc are not too easy to spot when committed at 10'.

Farmers have even been known to put livestock in the field that you intend to land on..............

It is great fun, I do it frequently!


Stik

Stik, I am sure you didn't mean it (or do it), but that reads like you are one of those farmers, deliberately planting cattle in the path of a landing aircraft to catch them out!!:eek: ;)

SD

Landing in a field
 

But don't do it in France!!

Hey, SD.


Don't knock it . There's no telling how some folks get their kicks :}

I would imagine that there's not much difference in law between landing a glider in a field and landing a powered aircraft, graduating up through microlights to light aircraft designed with that in mind.

Operational suitability is of course another issue altogether.

When did a glider pilot last call the Plod to get permission to land? They often, so I'm told, land without even asking the landowner first! That's wrong, of course; simple courtesy dictates that they should call first (with a loudhailer) and climb away if refused.

In a glider?

I've done it many times. The only downside (as someone I know found out) is if a "well meaning" local phones Plod. My friend's son made a precautionary landing since he was unhappy with the way his engine was behaving. He did an initial pass to confirm the field was suitable, then landed, and taxied over to the adjacent farm. He spoke to the farmer who was quite happy and even offered to help him move it out of the field. Next thing the local emergency services (all 3!) turn up, sirens blaring, and he is told in no uncertain terms that it is now a "Crime Scene". He was even threatened with arrest!!.
It took a phone call to another pilot who happens to be a serving police officer to de-fuse the situation. I told them to make an official complaint to the police, but I believe they didn't bother in the end. Hardly inspires confidence does it?

Don't assume for one minute that the police actually know the law - certainly not in the areas we are talking about.

A couple of months ago I had every on duty policeman within 30 miles turn up at the strip, sirens blazing. I was quietly washing the aircraft down when I found myself surrounded.

Turned out a 'concerned member of the public' had seen a plume of smoke from a bonfire, my aircraft landing, put two and two together, got a number much bigger than 4 and raised the alarm.

The gentlemen in blue uniforms (5 off in number with 3 vehicles) had deserted their patrol and stations and arrived at the potential disaster scene. They were somewhat disappointed that the anticipated days worth of overtime did not materialise. To assuage that disappointment they tried to make their visit worthwhile by inspecting the premises, my vehicles and discussing aeronautical law. Much like the thread starter they 'knew' lots of things, few of which were actually true.

It all ended reasonably well, if only because I could quote chapter and verse of the relevant legislation and my previous contacts with offical bodies notifying them of the strip's existance. Of course if one of my tyres had been short of tread it might have been different........

That's great - must try that out.

'Not in France' - why not?!

I actually live in Belgium, so am particularly interested in the possibilities here.

Thanks for all the great replies. Sam.

There are no issues with this at all as long as you are insured and the person who owns/farms the land has granted permission.

I frequently put the T-Craft into stubble fields when combines are rolling and have been known to deliver fish and chips and (weak) lager to the drivers on long summer evenings.

Only do it in a suitable type and by that I mean something that was designed to take the punishment that some fields offer at 45 mph.

Well, Ronnie, I can see that you are doubtful. How it works is, once you've restowed the loudhailer in its proper stowage location in the glider, and then checked carefully above and behind, you have to generate a very large amount of wind, while flying in a tight circle. As you do this, and you will of course have been using the appropriate diet for several days in case of need, you will hear and/or see your various varios indicating that you have started to gain height, due to the fact that you have created your own thermal. From then on, it's plain sailing. You maintain the climb in your own thermal, while of course continuing to supply its source, until you have sufficient height to find reach another field.

Once there, you recommence the whole process of using the loud hailer to request landing permission. The inevitable loss of height as your respondent goes indoors to ask his boss what to say is why you have to use the Self-Generated Thermal procedure to regain height in the event of a refusal, fly to another field, and so ad infinitum or until it gets dark (whichever comes first) when you can land without anyone seeing you.

Does that clear it up?

OnB,

It is not safe to fly with your tongue inserted that far - into your cheek, I mean :O.

;)

SD

Be careful with assuming you're legal and safe with only the land owner's permission. Local jurisdiction my not take kindly to operating close to other structures or congested areas.

The thing that strikes me about some of the above posts is the level of "control" that is expected from various "authorities". In the open FIR and with the permission of the property owner who else needs to get involeved? Why do we need insurance for this? (I know we need it any way but not for this purpose alone). SN3Guppy, if landing or taking off then within reason the proximity does not apply etc etc. Get some freedom into your minds and enjoy the open skies. I often go for a "tour" and neither ask for anything nor speak to anyone.

Well said, WH. I repeat my original point:

OnB

With an unexpected landing out in a field that wouldn't be a problem.