All right, which one of us was responsible for this

[MikeD]

Some guy dropped his kid off for the first day of school... in a helicopter:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/education/orl-helicopter-school-082609,0,2243370.story

Anyone want to fess up to that?  And, for me, someday (both having kids and a license to fly a helo).

[JohnKachenmeister]

Not guilty, your honor.

As a matter of common sense, I never fly any aircraft with wings that travel faster than the fuselage.

[NIN]

Nothing says "Throw the volley ball at my head harder" than your parental units making you stick out like a sore thumb on the first day of school.  Poor kid has probably picked up the name "Whirlyboy" or something.  Nice.  Way to make a positive impression for your son, there, dad.

First day of high school is tough enough. You're trying to blend in, be just like everybody else, not attract attention, especially negative attention.  Then dad decides to go all Colonel Kilgore for ya.

My son's first day in a new school was yesterday. He was very anxious about having to ride a bus, etc.  Bus driver yelled at him ("Siddown and shaddyup!") and then on the way home they dropped him off at a stop a mile from his stop. (he's 8, by the way)

Scary stuff either way.

[Flying Pig]

The FAA is going to strip that guy naked and beat him to a pulp.  Appareantly he missed the day of flight training where they covered common sense.
Landing a helicopter on school property is a HUGE NO NO.  Look for a lengthy suspension coming down the pipe, and that NO flight school will ever rent him a helo again.

[jimmydeanno]

Although the FAA still is looking into the matter, an official said Sutherin likely isn't in trouble because he landed the aircraft safely and "in accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations."

[Flying Pig]

Hmmm, we'll see.  Most States have laws against landing on school property without prior permission.  In CA permission goes through Cal-Trans.  One of our helicopters did it for a career day.  However, they forgot we were doing it.  When we landed back at the airport there were 3 FAA inspectors waiting for us.  They were out for blood.  Fortunately, we had all of our documentation, and they found theirs.

This guy needs spanked for bad judgement.

[Gunner C]

The FAA is going to strip that guy naked and beat him to a pulp.

"Thank you, sir!  May I have another?" 

[JohnKachenmeister]

Hmmm, we'll see.  Most States have laws against landing on school property without prior permission.  In CA permission goes through Cal-Trans.  One of our helicopters did it for a career day.  However, they forgot we were doing it.  When we landed back at the airport there were 3 FAA inspectors waiting for us.  They were out for blood.  Fortunately, we had all of our documentation, and they found theirs.

This guy needs spanked for bad judgement.

Florida is a little different from The People's Republic of California (Admit it... you even have a red star on your state flag).  It wasn't a good idea, but on the other hand, I don't know that it violated any FAR's.

If it violated school policy, the kid might end up in detention.  Way to start the year.

[coolkites]

Hmmm, we'll see.  Most States have laws against landing on school property without prior permission.  In CA permission goes through Cal-Trans.  One of our helicopters did it for a career day.  However, they forgot we were doing it.  When we landed back at the airport there were 3 FAA inspectors waiting for us.  They were out for blood.  Fortunately, we had all of our documentation, and they found theirs.

This guy needs spanked for bad judgement.

Florida is a little different from The People's Republic of California (Admit it... you even have a red star on your state flag).  It wasn't a good idea, but on the other hand, I don't know that it violated any FAR's.

If it violated school policy, the kid might end up in detention.  Way to start the year.

The kid didn't do anything wrong except go along for the ride maybe they should make the dad come in for a week of lunch detentions!

[Airrace]

Poor judgement on the helo pilot. I don't see any FAA violations!

[Flying Pig]

Silly boy, pistons are for kids

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[Rotorhead]

Poor judgement on the helo pilot. I don't see any FAA violations!

Landing on any property other than an airport without permission is not a real smart idea.

[A.Member]

Lighten up.  Should he have asked for permission first?  Sure.  But ultimately is this really that big a deal?  No.  But by all accounts at this point he operated the aircraft safely and in accordance with the regs, so relax.  If I saw this occur, my first response would not be to place a call to authorities. 

The people that are getting their panties in a bunch over this, such as this principal, need to get out a lot more.

Glad the kid enjoyed the ride!  :clap:

[Johnny Yuma]

No laws broken, no FAR's violated. They can't cry tresspassing either.

Talk about a lot of whining for nothing!

[Flying Pig]

Depends on where you are.  I saw in the article, it said very few students even saw it because he landed in a clear area away from the students.  My only concern is the guy has a PPL Helo.  Id be curious to see how many hours he has.  Unless hes independently wealthy, at near $300 per hour for a 300C in most areas Id speculate he's very low time.

However, in CA, they would crucify you with rusty nails.  So for you CA pilots....dont even think about it!!

[JohnKachenmeister]

Yet another reason I am glad I did not retire to California!

[Strick]

come on guys........... we all know he had his dad brought it for show and tell not to mention the chick factor

[Rotorhead]

No laws broken, no FAR's violated. They can't cry tresspassing either.

Why do you contend they cannot cry trespassing?

[Flying Pig]

Trespassing does not apply.  I imagine FL and CA law are similar in this regard.  Im sure it is reasonable for the father to believe he is allowed to drop his kid off at school.  The vehicle used, a helicopter in this case, is irrelevant.  Would they arrest a parent for pulling into the circle drive on school property for the sole intent of dropping the kid off because the principle doesnt like Chevy Tahoes?  No.   There was no intent to unlawfully enter the property.  If there had been a previous incident, and he was advised he was no longer allowed on the property, then you could streeeeeetch trespassing, however, that warning to not enter school property would have had to stem from something criminal or a restraining order.  In the case of a school, where the adult has a kid attending, the parent is not barred from the school.  From here on out, if the school wanted to, I imagine they could send him a letter stating that because of his actions he is no longer allowed on school district property or he could be arrested.  But not for this especially since it appears that he actually did nothing wrong.  My thought is, he's probably a pretty cool dad.

If there were no FAR's violated, and no State, County or Municipal laws violated, then he's good to go.  If its in a rural area, and he landed in an area clear of kids and the school, then perhaps his judgement was sound.  When I read the article, I assumed it was on the grass in front of the school surrounded by kids.  As I read the article with more detail, it looks as if he took precautions to land away from anything.

[Rotorhead]

But he didn't have permission to land on the property.

Just because you CAN physically land anywhere, doesn't mean you're legally allowed to do so...or that you should.

If he landed in your backyard, with no intent to unlawfully enter your home, you probably wouldn't be real pleased.

Don't get me wrong, I like the idea. but as a pilot with a CPL-H, I wouldn't do it without getting permission first.