Is it legal to land a helicopter in your backyard in California?

Question

If I were to get a license to fly a helicopter, can I land it in my backyard / roof (private property) legally? I hear choppers aren't regulated by the FAA or whatever that organization is... That would be great to be able to land on any private property and fly to work...

Answer 1

I had a friend who landed his helicopter in his back yard in connecticut, (he had about 1 1/2 acres), and the only thing he got cited for was disturbing the peace, because a neighbor called and complained.  I think it was about a $56 dollar ticket, however, it was great publicity for his helicopter charter flight service!

Answer 2

no

Answer 3

Buzz, have a look at § 91.119 , wouldn't want you going around spouting incorrect information as though you knew what you were talking about.

it says:

    Minimum safe altitudes: General.

    Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an aircraft below the following altitudes:

    (a) Anywhere. An altitude allowing, if a power unit fails, an emergency landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface.

    (b) Over congested areas. Over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons, an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft.

    (c) Over other than congested areas. An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.

    (d) Helicopters. Helicopters may be operated at less than the minimums prescribed in paragraph (b) or (c) of this section if the operation is conducted without hazard to persons or property on the surface. In addition, each person operating a helicopter shall comply with any routes or altitudes specifically prescribed for helicopters by the Administrator.

Source(s)

    Title 14: Aeronautics and Space

    PART 91—GENERAL OPERATING AND FLIGHT RULES

    http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/tex...

Answer 4

yes they are regulated by the faa. the difference is they don't have a minimal altitude. fixed wing air craft's minimal altitude is 2000ft. but flying between buildings and landing in backyard is considered unsafe flight. remember the faa is not the dmv. its federal not state. they can take your license on the First offense and never give it back. as citizens we give them this authority to set the rules because we don't want to be hit by fast moving aircraft. other than that have fun!

Answer 5

You can if you have enough property and local regulations permit it. The Fed. Aviation Reg's require that you also have enough clearance when flying above adjoining houses. That would almost mandate that you have several acres in which to land if done on a regular basis.I have a friend who flies his Robinson R44 out of his California property regularly but he also has 300 acres. I wouldn't recommend landing on a roof unless it is flat and has been reinforced to take the load and has been made safe for such operations by obstructions being removed, nothing that will fly up in the rotor wash, etc.

I'm not sure where you heard the FAA does not regulate helicopters but if it flies and carries people, they regulate it.