Ted,
I know. But a couple of years ago I had an encounter with that bunch. I flew back, at night, from visiting one of my sons. I didn’t file a flight plan. I landed at my home, uncontrolled airport and taxied to my hanger. As I was unstrapping from the plane, I saw some people, shining bright flash lights at me, approaching from the left. Beyond the glare of the approaching lights I could see a Cessna Citation on the taxiway. When I saw the automatic weapon that was being brandished about by one of the several people approaching I had a pretty good idea of who I was dealing with.
The first request was for me to provide pilot license and medical for a “ramp check”. While the head guy was checking those items I asked him, “you been following me”? He said yes. I asked how long, and he said they launched out of New Orleans. He made a comment about how fast I was going. He said my profile matched that of someone who was doing something illegal.
Now, they asked if they could search my plane. I asked if they had a search warrant. Since they didn’t have a search warrant I refused. The one with the automatic weapon wanted to know what was in the blanket that was in the airplane. I thought about not responding since they didn’t have a warrant and let his already active imagination run away with itself. The only thing in the blanket was the tow bar; I had it wrapped so it wouldn’t rattle. After a minute, since I needed the tow bar to move the plane, I told him what it was. I also told him the only reason I was telling him is because was I had already planned to get the tow bar out anyway.
With my pilot license in hand, I noticed the head guy having a conversation over his hand held radio. Probably checking if there was a warrant out for my arrest.
I continued to do my post flight stuff while they milled around and a couple of local cop cars showed up. Though the one with the machine gun keep close tabs on me. By the time I got the plane back in the hanger the head guy came and handed me his business card and mumbled something about a wild goose chase.
So Ted, been there, done that!
Lynn
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On 12/20/2013 8:27 PM, Lynn Farnsworth wrote:
Just my opinion, but, that is just one of the ways they use to cast doubt on the person or persons they want to make look bad or justify their (“law enforcement”) actions.
Much like the media saying the accident aircraft did file a flight plan.
The current group of people in law enforcement are not the friends of the American public.
Lynn
Ok I'll chime in. Why is it an abnormal flight to fly low and land in out of the way airports avoiding urban areas in a 172? I'm always looking for out of the way airports with inexpensive fuel even in my Lancair IVP - although I try not to fly too low very often.