Today I was at a Texas Aviation Caucus meeting at the Texas State Capital. One of the topics discussed was the Texas RUS initiative. I learned a little bit more regarding the holdup. Unfortunately it won't be brought up this year, so 2019 is the next opportunity. Here is the video I shot with my iPhone.



https://vimeo.com/206144547

That is a bummer. Maybe next year.

Phil, thanks for sharing the recording... good information. Honestly I'd rather see them put together a good bill that compliments Recreational Land Use statutes than to get something passed that doesn't really do what it should in the first place.

This really isn't apples to apples, but public use of waters under "navigable in fact" or “navigable by statute"... landing sand/gravel barn and banks fall under that?

EchoFoxtrot wrote:Phil, thanks for sharing the recording... good information. Honestly I'd rather see them put together a good bill that compliments Recreational Land Use statutes than to get something passed that doesn't really do what it should in the first place.

This really isn't apples to apples, but public use of waters under "navigable in fact" or “navigable by statute"... landing sand/gravel barn and banks fall under that?

You are very welcome.

Nearly 100% of land in Texas is privately owned. Which means rivers, streams and creeks go through private land. And although the water belongs to all Texans, the property the rivers, streams and creeks are on belong to the landowner. With few exceptions "navigable by..." whatever doesn't come into play. What does matter is if the water is seasonal or not. If it's not, meaning it flows all year, then the river, stream or creek can be recreated on by anyone unless it's designated a "wild river", even then aircraft might not be prohibited. If it is seasonal then it is private property.

We have a lot of lakes in Texas and they are a different story depending on what jurisdiction controls them.

If you have a place you want to play research everything you can about who owns it and who has jurisdiction over it and what laws apply to it. And talk with a local law enforcement officer AFTER you have befriended him/her. They may not know the answer but they will at least treat you kindly if someone rightly or wrongly complains.

And DON'T do anything stupid like buzzing or chasing game, wild or domesticated. And don't go to areas during hunting season that likely have hunters (like any ranch). And don't loiter in the area, enjoy it and leave as quietly as possible.

Hope this helps. Happy to talk more about it offline if you want.

Yep, helps a bunch. I appreciate you sharing your experience. I may catch you off line with a few questions down the road.