Police Pilot Paragliders in Florida!

[kimberlyanne546]

In a world first, police in Florida are taking to the skies in motorised para-gliders to patrol the ground below. Codenamed Operation S.O.A.R, (Search Operations Aerial Response), the four strong team will provide assistance to officers on the ground as a cheaper alternative to helicopters.

 

[Jim Logajan]

if it meets the ultralight FAR 103 provisions (solo, limited fuel quantity, weight, operation areas) you don't need a license to operate or a medical.

To carry a passenger or have a trike above the weight limit defined by FAR 103, you fall into the Sport Pilot category.

Either case, daylight only.

However, section 103.1(b) says:
"is used or intended to be used for recreation or sport purposes only."

So it appears ultralights can't be used by the police without a waiver from the FAA.

EDIT: I notice there is an N number on the side of the paraglider. So not an ultralight.

 

[Jim Logajan]

Public (governmental) aircraft operations are exempt from the FARs. I'm pretty sure police are included here. So no waiver required, nor any licensing.

Unless stated otherwise in their text, FARs do apply to government entities. Note that Section 1.1 of the FARs defines "person" to include government entities. By looking in the "Applicability" section of each part, you'll find any limitations. Section 103.5, waivers, uses the word "person" which is defined in Section 1.1 to include government entities.

While some sections of Part 91 apply only to Civil aircraft, it is easy to forget that except for some references in Part 103 to sections in Part 91, none of Part 91 applies to Part 103.