http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/articles/2011/110428pilots_urged_to_review_national_forest_planning_rule.html
It sounds like the Forest Service is soliciting commentary on the proposed planning rule. That AOPA article pretty much covers it, but reading some of the comments already submitted, it becomes obvious that this is going to become a shit show of environmental sparring.
Our concern, as supported by groups like The RAF and IAA, is that aircraft get special, historical use status. How this rule factors in with Wilderness use classification, I do not know. Federal land ownership has always confused me. What I do know is that, as usual, unless pilots and those who know as we do that aircraft have a very light footprint, speak up and get on the radar, blanket access rules will eventually pass and force us out. The Frank Church Wilderness of Idaho enjoys a historical protection of aircraft use as part of a specific clause by the late great senator for which it is named, but who are the advocates for aviation today?
Before commenting, I'd make an effort to gather some facts, although that is difficult as the proposal seems very vague. It's times like this when I wish our website was better developed to showcase backcountry aircraft use for those who might research it.
Comment site:
http://www.govcomments.com/ProjectInformation.aspx?a=25&b=20800
Please keep this out of Hot Air by making an effort to avoid partisan politicking, and keeping the topic relegated to backcountry aviation land use. Thanks.
