REFLECTOR: Special Report: AOPA demands answers on aircraft searches: Customs Pilot Perspective

Tue Jun 25 07:49:12 CDT 2013

The only question I have on this subject is AK-47's. I did not think that our government used them. 

Richard

PS I do keep an AK-47 personally. Fantastic weapon. 

Sent from my iPhone 5

On Jun 24, 2013, at 11:28 PM, Scott Derrick <scott at tnstaafl.net> wrote:

> The CBP have visited the Grants Airport, a few times, In their Blackhawk's with mounted guns,  they were all dressed like storm troopers, all black, AK47's and machine guns,   Demanding ID's, access to airplane interiors, hangers, etc...  One making the demands two behind him and off too the side with guns drawn. 
> 
> Oh, yeah, we are a pit of terrorists here at KGNT!  
> 
> I'm not making this up, it happened and will happen again until we as a people wise up and realize you can't trade freedom for security.  
> 
> Cowards covet security, the Brave demand Freedom and are willing to pay for it.
> 
> Scott
> 
> OK, I'm off my soapbox on this one!
> 
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Special Report: AOPA demands answers on aircraft searches: Customs Pilot Perspective
> From: Mark Magee <edjonesbrady at gmail.com>
> To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list <reflector at tvbf.org>
> Date: 06/24/2013 09:07 PM
>> Scott,
>> This guy flies a 206 and a Falconjet for Customs. I don't think his unit has any Blackhawks, they have some Hughes 500's. I know they don't have any AK's or Uzi's. He carries an M-4 and .45.
>> He's a great guy, doing his job, and I believe gave a good description of the issue.
>> I'll 'chat' with him later, see if anything else.
>> 
>> 
>> Mark B. Magee
>> N34XL
>> Sent from IPhone 4S
>> 
>> 1COR 16:13-14
>> 
>> On Jun 24, 2013, at 9:50 PM, Scott Derrick <scott at tnstaafl.net> wrote:
>> 
>>> While some of this "sounds" reasonable, this guy obviously is drinking the kool-aid and is completely ignoring the tactics being used. 
>>> 
>>> Black hawk helicopters, guys with AK47's, machine guns, Oozies, etc.. Total Gestapo/Nazi style intimidation.  Stalin would be proud.
>>> 
>>> Scott
>>> 
>>> -------- Original Message --------
>>> Subject: REFLECTOR: Special Report: AOPA demands answers on aircraft searches: Customs Pilot Perspective
>>> From: Mark Magee <edjonesbrady at gmail.com>
>>> To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list <reflector at tvbf.org>
>>> Date: 06/24/2013 08:37 PM
>>>> All,
>>>> Here is my buddy, the Customs pilot's response to my request for insight on the increasing ramp checks. It is redacted to keep my friend anonymous: he does work for 'The Man'...
>>>> 
>>>> Mark
>>>> 
>>>> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
>>>> 
>>>> Mark,
>>>> All is well.  I'm in the process of making al my FAA paperwork right for the airlines. I just finished my 737 type rating and finally picked up my ATP.  
>>>> As far as the ramp check stuff, I really don't have too much insight.  The topic probably would be better served if we could sit down and chat.  The biggest concern is ensuring that 4th amendment rights are not infringed upon, and balancing that with law enforcement.  There is a constant flow of drugs moving from the west coast and we are having a fair amount of luck intercepting it.  The problem arises when we talk with a law abiding general aviator who does NOT care for the government (and Texas is loaded with                       the Anti-govt type), and they do not care to try to understand the battle we are in. It is a VERY thin line, and a line that sometimes is wrongfully crossed.  Bottom line, if you don't want someone to look at your plane, you have the right to say no.  Law Enforcement Officials have the job of developing both reasonable suspicion and probable cause.  Once that is developed, there are a whole different set of rules that apply.  With that being said, understand that flying is a privilege, and if you are witnessed exercising that privilege, LEO's (any city, state, federal) have the right/obligation to verify that you are properly certified to operate the aircraft, and that the aircraft is properly registered with the FAA (standard ramp check stuff).  The guys in the office constantly go round and round since many of us exercise our general aviation privileges as well (perfect time to interject the fact that I bought a DELETED last year).  If you are approached on the ramp, be prepared to show your FAA docs and medical certificate.  If they ask to look at your airplane and you just don't feel like playing nice, say no.  Your freedom of movement should not be hindered if reasonable suspicion has yet to be determined.  Disclaimer..... It's a thin line that the LEO walks.  We all have our individual threshold for reasonable suspicion (with very little guidance....by design).  Probable cause, on the other hand, is fairly well established by various case laws (typically when judges start issuing warrants).  If RS/PC is established, the LEO can then continue with their "investigative detention" (restrict movement etc.) to satisfy their concerns.  RS is NOT enough to force their way into your personal property, but PC is (a dog that alerts satisfies PC by case law).  This rabbit hole continues on and on.  It is fantastic hangar talk that I would be happy to participate in (in uniform or not).  I hope this helps. Keep in touch and let me know if you need anymore info (or different explanation).
>>>> 
>>>> NAME DELETED
>>>>> 
>>>>>> From: "Richard J. Gentil" <richard at naples-air-center.com>
>>>>>> Date: June 19, 2013, 7:52:19 PM CDT
>>>>>> To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list <reflector at tvbf.org>
>>>>>> Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Fwd: Special Report: AOPA demands answers on aircraft searches
>>>>>> Reply-To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list <reflector at tvbf.org>
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> I just finished reading it about 30 minutes ago. 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Really curious why they are making so may searches. 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> You know when CBP see a Velocity they have no idea what they are looking at. Makes them even more curious about it. I have had them with density and radiation meters checking my bird before. 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> They seem to think it is some sort of aerial drone. 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Richard 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone 5
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> On Jun 19, 2013, at 8:26 PM, Kevin Baker <flykb at verizon.net> wrote:
>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> FYI 
>>>>>>> Received this email from aopa tonight 
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> Thought folks might be intetested
>>>>>>> Kevin Baker 
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> .
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> Begin forwarded message:
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> From: AOPA_EPILOT at AOPA.ORG
>>>>>>>> Date: June 19, 2013, 5:01:52 PM CDT
>>>>>>>> To: FLYKB at VERIZON.NET
>>>>>>>> Subject: Special Report: AOPA demands answers on aircraft searches
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> Comments? E-mail pilotassist at aopa.org, call 800/USA-AOPA
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> June 19, 2013
>>>>>>>> FIGHTING FOR PILOTS’ RIGHTS
>>>>>>>> AOPA demands answers on aircraft searches
>>>>>>>> With a growing number of reports from law-abiding pilots stopped by armed federal agents on the ramp, their aircraft searched by federal agents, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection (CBP) remains silent, and outrage is building. AOPA is questioning CBP’s authority to conduct the searches, and demanding a response from officials at the highest level. There has been no meaningful response to date from CBP to Freedom of Information Act requests filed months ago by AOPA and affected pilots.
>>>>>>>> “We don’t even know why they’re being stopped,” said AOPA General Counsel Ken Mead, adding that the association will press the issue until satisfactory answers—or a change in policy—are forthcoming. “We’re not going to let this go with just lip service. The agency either has to stop its behavior or we’re going to need to elevate it to Congress.” Read the full story >>
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> What to do if stopped by law enforcement
>>>>>>>> AOPA is still researching the legal specifics involved when federal agents, particularly CBP agents acting well inside the nation’s borders, detain a pilot and search an aircraft. As the association works to gain a fuller understanding of what is permitted, a convenient kneeboard reference card has been prepared for pilots who might find themselves the object of the agency’s attention. This step-by-step guide includes general procedures to follow when subjected to detention and search. Always be courteous and respectful, and remain calm. Answer questions truthfully, but succinctly. Do not volunteer information. Download the kneeboard reference card >>
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>>>> 
>>>> -- 
>>>> Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love. 1COR 16:13-14
>>>> 
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> 
> -- 
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