Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County members urge caution after low-flying power glider spooked horses; pilots to be notified
Summary
A recent power-glider flight over a group of eight riders near Fisher Mesa caused horses to bolt, several riders were thrown and vet bills followed; the incident has prompted calls for new messaging to pilots and possible rule changes to align power-glider restrictions with fixed-wing aircraft.
A committee member described an incident in which a power glider flew down over a group of eight people riding horses near Fisher Mesa, turned its motor on while overhead and frightened the animals. The member said eight riders came off, one woman was dragged through a wash and the horses later required approximately $300 in veterinary treatment. "Eight people came off their horses... one lady was dragged down through a wash," the member said.
Meeting participants said they do not yet know whether the pilot will face consequences; local law enforcement reported locating the pilot. The Utah Backcountry Pilots Association and other pilot groups were described as circulating advisories about the incident to pursue voluntary messaging to pilots and to consider regulatory parity for power gliders. One committee participant observed that power gliders are not currently subject to the same minimum-distance restrictions that apply to fixed-wing aircraft and said the pilot's actions were legal under current rules but dangerous in effect.
Committee members urged broader outreach to inform recreational pilots and to consider whether additional rules or messaging are needed to protect users and animals on public lands.
