Man cited after landing helicopter to picnic in Grand Teton NP
A pilot has been cited after an unauthorized landing on a lake shore in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park.
Peter Smith, owner of West Elk Air in Gunnison, Colo., landed the aircraft at Moran Bay on Jackson Lake on June 24. He and a companion were picnicking when they were greeted by rangers.
The park stated in a news release that Smith had violated FAA regulations and was charged with two misdemeanors that carry fines up to $5,000 and/or six months in jail.
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The park elaborated: “The unauthorized landing of helicopters is prohibited on the lands and waters within the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park in order to protect wildlife and other natural resources and to preserve the visitor experience.”
Four months earlier, Smith was cited for flying an airplane at an unsafe altitude in Gunnison National Park. He was fined $530.
His court date for the Grand Teton National Park case is scheduled for August.