New US Forest Service recreational rule affecting aviation up for comment

May 6, 2011 at 2:40 pm | Posted in Aviation Law Current Event | Leave a comment

by Sara M. Langston with the blog faculty

Source: Flying

The United States Forest Service is revising its National Forest System (NFS) land management planning process, a move that could restrict backcountry flying. A series of roundtable discussions have taken place around the country to collect public input, leading to issuance of a draftrule. AOPA and the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) have participated in several of the roundtable discussions as well as other meetings in Washington, D.C.

The part of the 50-page proposed rule that is pertinent to recreational use begins on page 8,519, paragraph 219.10 (Multiple uses). The RAF suggests a standalone component of the rule to address increasing demands for recreational use of NFS land and to increase access to recreational areas through aircraft landing sites on land and water. Further suggestions include separate management strategies for general transportation systems (railroads and freeways) and recreation facilities, and giving “social” and ”economic”issues the same attention as “ecological” issues. To comment on the proposed rule, click here.