Those guys were thinking "Uh huh... we got us a genuine dope smuggler that's a master of disguise. He looks like a junior high band director. He's a master!!!"😂😂😅🤣🤣🤣

Man, you guys need to get your lawyer buddy back on the show to talk about ramp checks and what can/can't be done. There is mass confusion on this. Would make a GREAT episode!

@75Froggie

2 күн бұрын

Probably nothing to do about it now. They consented to the search and waived their constitutional (4th Amendment) rights. Not worth it to push back. That might have stepped on the egos of the officers, leading them to make up s__t and arrest them on trumped-up criminal charges to justify their search after nothing was found. You never know.

Searching your plane like that needed a warrant. You didn't need to consent to that search. Make them work and obtain a warrant. If you're not entering the country like at a port of entry, they can't search you like that without a warrant or consent.

@thatairplaneguy

Жыл бұрын

They didn’t need a warrant with owner permission.

@mike73ng

Жыл бұрын

They also might not need a warrant if the rules are similar to boating inspections. I don’t think those boating inspections are legal either but the courts disagree with me, apparently.

@gabrielg8826

Жыл бұрын

@mike73ng the only warrantless searches allowed by law of the inside of your aircraft are of you are entering the usa from another country of origin, or solid probable cause like something illegal in plain sight. An FAA ASI can perform a ramp check on a pilot, but he must show FAA form 110A and is only allowed to ask for pilots license, photo ID, a current pilot class 1,2 or 3 medical certificate, an airworthiness certificate for the plane, weight and balance sheet for the plane and a current FAA registration. Your 4th ammedment protection against warrantless searches do not disappear if your flying within the airspace of the USA.

@mike73ng

Жыл бұрын

@@gabrielg8826 I believe you but how do you explain warrantless searches (boarding) of boaters by the Coast Guard?

@lisaleedavidson

Жыл бұрын

You should have never consented to the search. They don’t have that authority without a warrant. Call AOPA legal if this happens. Provide the legally required documents and information and nothing else. Remember “ARROW”.

Got ramp checked by the FAA at 3AU (Augusta, KS). Fortunately I keep a notebook behind the pilots seat with copies of all my docs. They were courteous and complimentary of my notebook. Took a total of 5 minutes. Shocking but not scary. Very professional.

@FlyAlphaFoxtrot

Жыл бұрын

What all do you keep in there, out of curiosity? I keep medical in my iPad cover, cert and ID in my wallet, and of course have the airworthiness and registration up front by the right seat.

@skyhawk_4526

2 ай бұрын

FAA and DHS are two very different organizations looking for two very different things.

Unless it's an FAA inspector presenting a form 110A for a ramp check. I'd tell them to get a warrant and go on my way. After going through many FAA ramp checks without incident, this kind of harassment is unheard of. I have had encounters with TSA and they have been quite cordial after I challenged them when they try to approach my plane trying to be sneaky. One cargo ramp I was working on, they spotted a person who didn't belong, and he was arrested by airport police. He did show his credentials and after verification with Washington DC, he was released. He did write a nice letter commending the alertness of the ramp personel and the training they have received. A Cessna 172 can basically fit two people in the front and one adult in the back, don't these clowns have bigger fish to fry?

@russbell6418

Жыл бұрын

Nothing more dangerous to our peace and welfare than a bored cop.

@evernhamanderson

Жыл бұрын

Saw a Cheyenne III with inspection tags on it for bent props, LOL. FAA guy apparently never heard of Q-Tip props before. Can't make this stuff up.

@ScottsSynthStuff

11 ай бұрын

They don't need a warrant. We're not talking about Sheriff Jones here, we're talking about CBP. Different rules apply. Specifically: The federal government defines a “reasonable distance” as 100 air miles from any external boundary of the U.S. So, combining this federal regulation and the federal law regarding warrantless vehicle searches, CBP claims authority to board and search a vehicle without a warrant anywhere within this 100-mile zone.

@agisler87

11 ай бұрын

​@@ScottsSynthStuffYour wrong. They need a probable cause to search your vehicle even within 100 miles of the border. It doesn't matter if it's a local sheriff or CBP they still have to comply with the constitution. It's only at the border itself that they don't need probable cause.

@briancasey7693

5 ай бұрын

@@ScottsSynthStuff oh the Constitution is suspended for 100 miles of the coast, sounds made up, they searched because he consented, they would have to have a warrant otherwise, period

I had a similiar issue recenlty. Flew from the Midlands in Ireland to the Isle Of Man for the TT races. We landed into a farmstrip and had 5 Customs officers waiting to meet us. They searched the Microlight and checked some of our documents. They were lovely and quickly realised we were there to see the racing. They did say it was crazy, flying from Ireland in "this thing". Well able for it! We had good fun with them and they were lovely to talk to.

Now you know what it’s like to be a bass, cause that was a pure fishing expedition.

In early to mid 80’s an attorney from Eugene Oregon was returning from Canada when he stopped at Blain Washington to clear customs. Custom guys decided to tear his Fairly new Beachcraft 35 apart and like what happened here left all of his stuff and aircraft parts laying on the ramp. When he informed them of the recourse they would face they just laughed at him, said he couldn’t afford an attorney to take any action. Now unfortunately for the customs boys neither of them were pilots and after two years of court proceedings they learned an every expensive lesson that you shall not dismantle an aircraft unless you are an AP or an pilot doing one of the 29 items we are allowed to do. He was compensated for the damage they did and they discovered they are not exempt from FAA prosecution. That case was likely the reason no effort was taken to dismantle any part of your aircraft.

If you had told them you two were on your honeymoon they would have immediately walked away 😂

@skyhawk_4526

2 ай бұрын

🤣

Crazy! This government is way out of control. No American citizen should EVER have to go through that without iron-clad PROOF of some wrongdoing! Every year things seem to get worse. 😣 Thanks for sharing, Josh - sorry you guys had to deal with that.

@willsimonds8

Жыл бұрын

He likely didn’t have to comply with the search but did voluntarily, and the feds were probably tipped off by someone suspicious. I am glad the feds followed up on the lead if that was the case. At least they’re doing their job. This could have been avoided if a nosy asshole didn’t call in the tip (most likely what happened), and the search could have been denied until they had a warrant. Only thing lost at the end of the day is time. Lesson: Don’t tip off the feds unless you have a damn good reason. Two guys flying a Cessna across the country isn’t a reason to call the cops.

FAA can do a ramp check on your documents etc, but you can tell DHS to go pound salt. You are not required to show them anything unless they have reasonable articulable suspicion that you have committed a crime. They were on a fishing trip and you bent over and took it. File a complaint on them for harassment.

@JohnnyChoppah

Жыл бұрын

You are required to show them the required documentation under 61.3(l). You are NOT required to allow them to enter or search the aircraft and you are NOT required to answer any questions.

@sfeatherston3

Жыл бұрын

@@JohnnyChoppah is right. If someone with a gun and a badge (law enforcement) asks for your documents you have to produce them. This is clear in the FAR. Now, whether you just show them your documents or actually hand them over is something I’ve heard debate over.

@FlightX101

Жыл бұрын

You actually have to show them documents and it would have gotten worse if they didn't. BUT what they can do is force them to get a warrant to search the airplane itself

@ScottsSynthStuff

11 ай бұрын

Wrong. They don't need a warrant. We're not talking about Sheriff Jones here, we're talking about CBP. Different rules apply. Specifically: The federal government defines a “reasonable distance” as 100 air miles from any external boundary of the U.S. So, combining this federal regulation and the federal law regarding warrantless vehicle searches, CBP claims authority to board and search a vehicle without a warrant anywhere within this 100-mile zone.

@acasualviewer5861

9 ай бұрын

@@ScottsSynthStuff CBP are the gestapo. I've had only bad experiences with them. Very unprofessional and rude. I've had bad experiences with them in airports when there was absolutely no reason to have bad experiences. They just want to flex and be mean all the time.

I'm not an American, I get my information from the news and spend too much time on KZread and researching stories. But to a foreigner the United States sure seems to be slowly going down the path to becoming a police state. I hope that I'm wrong, over the years I have had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful people and it's difficult to make the connection between these friendly outgoing individuals and the way America is presented to the rest of the world.

@reggveg

Жыл бұрын

You're absolutely right. I had always supported law enforcement 100% but not any more. Too many jackbooted law enforcement thugs harassing citizens. We are going through an attempt to turn America into a one party government. The Democrats are the real fascists. I feel bad for my grandchildren because they will be the ones to suffer from this takeover of America.

@thatairplaneguy

Жыл бұрын

We’ve been a soft police state for decades because no one wants to stabs upto overreach. Now we are they now it’s too little too late

@AquariusTurtle

Жыл бұрын

It got there with a major boost from the US Patriot Act, the most UnConstitutional legislation ever allowed to be passed by Americans who know nothing. Their ancestors fought and died for freedom & liberty and these weak beta-males just give it all up. Guys like this girly-man are the reason the USA is collapsing into Communist China.

@philipritson8821

Ай бұрын

The authorities have a long history of conducting illegal searches even in the US of A. People in authority are only human after all and power tends to go to their heads when they are given a badge. What makes the United States a free country (not unique but free nonetheless) is a commitment to the rule of law and a court system that will penalise those who cross the line if given a chance. The fact that this guy can discuss this incident without fear of prosecution on KZread is all the proof you need that the United States remains free.

Dan, I agree that a follow up video with an aviation attorney addressing our rights as citizens and some advice regarding both FAA ramp checks and LE searches would be very worthwhile.

Ramp check story begins 6:35. Pretty wild!

About icing - An instructor that flies everything from a Cub up to 747 told me to always watch your airspeed indicator. If you're straight and level it should maintain your airspeed. If it starts to drop off, you're picking up ice. The rate it's picking it up determines how long you have to do something about it. So in my case it was 150 kts down to around 80 kts, then I have big problems staying in the air. Either go up or go down and melt it off as soon as you realize it. Otherwise, you're going to need to land soon. This advice ended up helping me. I was over Virginia and that happened. There wasn't supposed to be icing. I contacted ATC and they gave me a lower altitude and the speed went right back up to where it was.

Excellent pilot story. I watched every video Josh did of that trip. That was definitely a crazy ramp check. Thank you Dan for having Josh on the channel again. Keep up the excellent work as always. Safe skies my friend 🇺🇸🛩️

This was NOT a "ramp check", it was a law enforcement action - big difference. Only an authorized FAA inspector can perform a ramp check. Perhaps a good time to interview a lawyer and post a video reviewing the difference, pilot/individual rights, and the limitations placed on law enforcement when it comes to aircraft.

@thatairplaneguy

Жыл бұрын

THIS

@mike73ng

Жыл бұрын

Sadly, homeland security has sweeping powers that still have yet to be challenged in the courts.

@bradrobinhancock8491

Жыл бұрын

@@mike73ng They still couldn't have searched the cabin without a warrant. The 4th amendment still applies, plain and simple.

@guitarhillbilly1482

Жыл бұрын

@@mike73ng Thank you George W Bush.

@arctain1

Жыл бұрын

He consented to the search. Shouldn’t have done that. Nothing illegal occurred due to consent. Now - a video pointing out that you should Never… ever… not ever… give consent for a search would be a phenomenal idea for the AOPA to produce…

i got ramp checked once in australia, it was police and our aviation authority, it was during the time when you didn’t need paper maps and electronic devices were now legal. they couldn’t understand what or how the electronic devices worked. We had come nearly 500 miles that day . They stripped the aircraft including the interior out . They were on their cell phones taking photos etc. they thought we were shipping drugs around the country . Then they said ,”ok you techno nerds ,we have finished “ They then left. The police didn’t have a clue how a GPS worked or moving map existed. They off off panels ,interior side walls and part of the ceiling inside ,

Too bad you did not film the encounter. Would have probably made for an excellent training video for both pilots as well as Homeland Security who likely overstepped their legal bounds - and it (the video) would likely have gone viral. Thanks for sharing.

So happy to get an insider peek behind the curtain of one of my favorite Aviation 101 series. I was equally excited when you announced the plan for a follow-up series. As always, thanks for sharing even when it was a surprise & an unpleasant experience.

Ramp check is one thing.... this was in "got a warrant" territory.

The first couple minutes of this video definitely has vibes of that old TV series, "Locked up Abroad." Lol.

I've been flying for 30 years, and I was told in the very beginning that there was a good chance that I would never get ramp checked. 3 months after I earned my PPL, I got a ramp check. Since then nothing, so you never know when it'll happen

Josh .... that was an illegal search .... not a ramp check.

@rbryanhull

Жыл бұрын

It was legal bacause Josh said they consented.

@philipritson8821

Ай бұрын

​"Officer, I will not resist or obstruct you, but I do not consent to being searched." Clear. Concise. Non-confrontational. Throws the ball back in their court.

Back in the day I flew a single engine cargo route from the Bay Area to Reno and back. I never tied down the cargo in the back of my C-206. It consisted of bags of developed and undeveloped film. Not exactly heavy, mostly bulky. One day I noticed a car with FAA stenciled on the side waiting for me on our ramp area. In a brief flash of brilliance I scooted the the faaaaar end of the ramp, shut down and immediately threw out the bags of cargo. By the time the car got to me they couldn’t see that the cargo wasn’t covered with a cargo net. Whew! The rest of the ramp check was uneventful.

So appreciate your honesty Josh in relating to the flying into IMC and picking up ice. I'm sure you learned a lot from this decision and will likely not hang your neck out so far next time. Most all of us are guilty of pushing the boundaries while flying, most of us are lucky to still be able to talk about it. This serves as a reminder to limit our risks to an acceptable level.

What I would be worried about is maybe someone putting a "package" somewhere in an inspection panel in Santa Monica in hopes to retrieve it at your final destination. It's a stretch but if you get caught with this theres no good way of walking away from this situation maybe.

The wrong people were asking questions after the initial confrontation. When they asked their first question, you should have stood your ground and not answered anything until they told you why they were there and what they were looking for. Then you could answer what you liked, and refused anything you didn't want to answer, and not a single item in the aircraft was open for inspection or search unless they showed a search warrant and probable cause for the search. You guys got hosed.

I’ve been told if the FAA is ramp checking you and they ask you for your pilot license and medical, you show them but do not let them have it. Home land security, ramp check, I don’t know. Hopefully somebody here can tell us. Josh your way more patient than me.

@wstubbs8556

Жыл бұрын

Because they are feds. They are untouchable. Like the old show.

@TheCountExtreme

Жыл бұрын

You are absolutely within your rights to show but not give your documents on a ramp check, but it's going to annoy the agent and make it take longer. I believe the reason behind this "show but don't give" advice being passed around is that people believe that handing your license/medical to the FAA inspector can be considered "surrendering your certificate". This is a myth. Assuming that I'm flying legally, they can take and inspect anything they are legally entitled to inspect. Nothing good is going to come of annoying the inspector; I am sure they have plenty of legal ways to make you miserable if you get on their bad side. If they want to search the plane without a warrant, though, they can jump in a lake.

@andrewagner2035

Жыл бұрын

Greetings from Cape Town. USA sounds like a police state….

@Berkut13

Жыл бұрын

@@andrewagner2035 Only on a voluntary basis.

@guitarhillbilly1482

Жыл бұрын

@@andrewagner2035 Unfortunately Most Americans do not know their Rights.

Hello from Minnesota!! Wow! Great episode!

This happened to me in Nebraska with local law enforcement and then the same night in Lexington with all departments.

“He did want the cash. He’s a fed after all.” LOL

You stated DHS but it was most likely CBP, (DHS). This is something they have been doing for decades. They have an Air and Marine base in New Orleans but it could have just been ground pounders. They believe that they can do whatever they want and nobody can stop them. I know because I used to work with them. I really felt guilty sometimes when I heard of some of the things they were doing, like when they landed a UH-60 right next to a Cherokee Six in Florida right after the pilot had landed and taxied to parking. It flipped the airplane over with the pilot inside and they demanded that he get out with hands up, of course. Destroyed the airplane and they did not pay for the damage as far as I know. They have to justify their budget which may be much more substantial now that they are part of DHS and not the Treasury Dept. This sort of thing is happening on all levels of government, unfortunately.

⁠remember in the video Josh and crew provided the AROW documents as required by law. They then consented legally by voluntarily unloading all their stuff from the plane. If they had refused then the agent would be required to get a warrant if he had the basis, which it wouldn’t appear he did, otherwise they couldn’t search. However if during their trip they crossed any international borders they would be searched under border and customs laws. No warrant needed for that. 😮 A police officer or federal agent authorized to enforce federal laws pertaining to aircraft can require production of the AROW documents and border/customs laws. A ramp check is more for aircraft safety concerns.

My best friend is an aviation attorney. You should have never let them search anything. They didn't have the right to do that and especially when they said well this looks suspicious well suspicion is not a crime again suspicion. Is not a crime? They had no right to look through that and you shouldn't have let them look through anything. I know you were trying to be cooperative but they were tyrants abusing their power

@jhmcglynn

4 ай бұрын

I disagree about refusing to let them search the plane. Things could get a lot worse if you got belligerent with them.

@keithhoward9238

4 ай бұрын

AOPA states that all we have to do is show them that we are in compliance with the FAA Part 91 regulations. We don't have to allow them to board our aircraft if being used for Part 91 operations. I keep a copy of my documents and Part 91 Ramp inspection job list sheet with my copy of documents in the cockpit. As, they don't get my originals. Just to verify that I'm in compliance.

@keithhoward9238

4 ай бұрын

@@jhmcglynn I understand what you mean. But we as Pilots/Citizens have rights that must be upheld and respected by all. If they have a warrant. Of course by all means search away.

@Alpha908-TCA

4 ай бұрын

THEY DIDNNOT HAVE A WARRANT! Total overreach. The only acceptable answer to any of the questions would have been “I don’t answer questions” and “Am I being detained”

Back in the 80’s I taxied a airplane from one side of the airport to other side of the airport that had 3 inches of snow on the wings. As I taxied by the FAA they freaked out. They came racing up to the airplane and wondered what I was doing. They tried to violate me and I told them you only had to remove the snow if you are flying and that I was parking in the sun and was going to clean the aircraft off before I flew. So after 15 minutes on the phone they told me yea nothing about taxiing with snow as long as the windows are clean. Never asked for pilots license or any other documentation.

What a very interesting story! Thank you for sharing. I’m just on the verge of being able to solo. I’m going to take this to heart :-)

I remember my one and only grandpa check at an airshow after I first got my PPL. I had two friends and we went to an airshow not far from where we were based. This happened back in 1989. The guy approached me showed his badge, but he was from the FAA. He wanted to see my certificate, Medical, Logbook, and the airworthy certificate. After I showed the documents and talked a little bit about Flying he told us to have a nice day. That was the only experience I ever had with being checked pilot. I guess I got off easy.

@rickwiggins283

Жыл бұрын

Interesting. I think you're only required to have your logbook, or even maintain a logbook at all, if you're a student. Anyway glad it went fast.

@grj512

Жыл бұрын

Was thinking the same thing on the logbook. That being said, I have everything on ForeFlight so I pretty much have access all the time.

My friend got ramp checked and to make a long story short, they observed him doing aerobatic maneuvers in the pattern. In a DA20 he pulled up steep. Bank and pitch maxs are in the FAR AIM and it lays that all out for pattern . They made him do his private all over again.

@grj512

Жыл бұрын

Pulled up steep? I don’t recall reading a “steep” climb out is prohibited. What type of aerobatics was he doing?

@briancasey7693

Жыл бұрын

It would have to be 60 deg and they would never take a license over that, air shows do aerobatics at the airport all the time

@publicmail2

Жыл бұрын

@@briancasey7693 Airshows exempt, check FAR AIM it say like no more then 30 pitch and 55 bank something like that in pattern only. The local FSDO got him on that.

@guitarhillbilly1482

Жыл бұрын

@@grj512 I work at an airport that has F16s based on it and I see VERTICAL Climbs a lot of the times in the airport traffic area.

Lived in Nor Cal with a Warrior for years. This was a regular occurrence.

@berenonehand

Жыл бұрын

Yup. Lotta weed up in Nor Cal.

@dustinalexander4620

11 ай бұрын

Gotta stop that weed. Let's now concern ourselves with coke in the white house or Hunter Biden doing coke with Malia Obama or fentanyl at the border. Homeland security of the "mission"....

You should NEVER consent to a search without them presenting a warrant to do so. It doesn't matter if you "have nothing to hide". They do NOT have the right to search your property without probable cause or a warrant. Next time tell them to come back with a warrant.

They didn’t have the legal right to search the aircraft without a warrant or reasonable suspicion of a crime. You just say “am I being detained?” and “am I free to go?” If they say you are being detained, you ask what for. Doubtful they have the right to do a ramp check, but I’d be glad to do a ramp check because that’s quick enough. But if he says he wants your consent to search, you just say “With all due respect sir, you’re holding me up right now, and I would like to be on my way. I’m not doing a long search with you right now until you come back with a warrant.”

@markdesimone9801

Жыл бұрын

Not sure where you got your law degree....but get your money back

@justinborysenko3885

Жыл бұрын

I stand corrected in the guide to ramp checks: 3. Don’t - Consent to the FAA Entering/Searching the Aircraft Unless conducting commercial operations (which follow a different set of ramp check guidelines) the ASI does not have the right to enter the airplane. They do have the right to inspect the interior from the outside, but that can be quite difficult for them to do if you have sun shades in the windows. Be polite (see Do #1) but explain that you have been advised not to consent to them entering the aircraft. Once inside, items observed to be out of compliance can be included in any action the FAA may take against you.

@aviatortrevor

Жыл бұрын

@@markdesimone9801 and where's your law degree to claim I'm wrong? lol, that stupid comment works both ways. My friend who is a lawyer says I'm right - there's the credentials you asked for. Read the 4th amendment buddy. No one has the right to just conduct a search inside your aircraft besides what is visible from the outside of it if you didn't cross any border.

@aviatortrevor

Жыл бұрын

@@justinborysenko3885 I'm positive you're wrong. The FAA can conduct a ramp check, which involves verifying certain documents and registration plates are onboard. A search of your personal things? 4th amendment violation. What Josh here is describing is a consensual search. That was his choice.

@johnm.3279

Жыл бұрын

@@markdesimone9801 No, YOURS!

Feelings of deja vu. I had a ramp check of my 172 by US Customs at my home airport west of El Paso in the late 1970’s. They claimed I was spotted going north across the Mexico border at low altitude and very high speed … in a 172! I was testing my plane in a designated student practice area after an engine overhaul. A 210 started following me as I was going back to my airport and the 210 had 4 customs agents on board. Fortunately the airport owner (also a very good lawyer) was there and ripped them up one side and down the other side. Complaints were made to the FAA identifying the pilot of the 210 and I think he lost flying privileges as he was flying very aggressively at me. Bad memories.

@TakingOff

Жыл бұрын

Wow what a story.

@CompulsoryDemocracy

Жыл бұрын

Thats a good story to hear on Taking Off

Love, love, love your videos...keep them coming!!! Right after you spend an hour with an attorney to learn your constitutional rights... You need to understand the difference between reasonable suspicion and probable cause. You could have easily saved an hour of your time by telling the feds to pound sand.

There's a clause in the 4th amendment that allows certain kinds of warrantless stops within 100 miles of the US border. Game Wardens also do not need a warrant nor probable cause/reasonable suspicion. Sucks but that's a "know your rights" thing.

I'm out of KDVT. The footage of you 2 over the canyon inspires me every time I watch it. Thank you so much! Then you need to learn the 5 words that get you out of situations with "authorities". "I have nothing to say". Also "I do not consent to unwarranted searches".

You don’t have to submitto a search without a warrant. You should have told them to pound sand. Lesson learned

Interesting that they're looking...now you know. Its easy to watch n follow with all the new tech. Bigger question is why they chose to detain you...because of a traffic route?1?

Probably from ADS-B data mining. It’s happened similarly to pilots flying from rural Colorado airports to Texas and other states.

I have a place north of Del Rio Tx . Not in the middle of nowhere but right next to it. I’m surprised they don’t check me being I’m landing that close to the border.

@wstubbs8556

Жыл бұрын

I flew out to private ranch on the Devil's River with my brother a few years ago. There was not a strip , just a 1200 caliche road. Laughlin approach didn't understand where we were going. They scrambled two T-38's to look into my cockpit of my 172 and broke off. It was so cool. We had to land in Del Rio for gas back to home base. We had two really nice guys come up posing as GA pilots. CBP is obvious.

@hillcrestannie

Жыл бұрын

Wow ! That’s crazy ! I don’t fly there very often but my neighbors do on a regular basis and as for as I know they’ve never had an encounter like that. None of our strips are on the charts . We are in the MOA.

FWIW. Seems like if you were to avoid major urban areas like New Orleans the likely hood of encountering a federal agent of any department would be pretty remote.

At least they didn’t pull guns on them the way John and Martha king did.

I've got one a bit crazier: Standing on the ramp at Houston Hobby airport. Nice cabin class Cessna twin taxi's up and parks and starts shutting down. Immediately behind it taxi's up a Cessna Citation with all kinds crazy radar and camera pods all over it. Stops directly in front of the first Cessna and all kinds of Feds in tactical vest come pouring out and surrounding the first plane.... just some unlucky Mexican nationals catching a charter flight from Brownsville to Houston...🙃

Had the FAA show up as I was pulling out a glider for instruction. Ramp Check. Oh really? You ever ramp checked a glider? No? I took over, explained to my students what a ramp check was. Had to explain to the FAA that, no, a POH is not required, it’s all on placards, no the weight and balance is there on placards. No, there is no electrical system, I have this handheld radio. The poor guy was happy to move on to a helicopter that had landed,

@TakingOff

Жыл бұрын

😂

Not a ramp check. The only thing you needed to show them was your pilot certificate and possibly other ID . You must have authorized them to search the plane so that was on you. If you did not authorize them then it was an illegal search talk to a lawyer. I would have demanded they get a warrant. They only thing I would say to them repeatedly is "I do not consent to a search of my person or my plane" and "am I free to go?" With all your cameras or a phone record the whole interaction.

Bring pot back from the west coast is big business. They keep track of anyone going out west then turning right back around heading east. You can profit a $1000. a lb so if you did 100lbs that's a cool one hundred thousand dollars profit.

Curious, do you suspect they were using ADSB data to track the plane?

you permitted them to conduct a search. If you had refused, could they have searched without a warrant?

@rickwiggins283

Жыл бұрын

Not a lawyer, but the way that generally works is anything they might find without a warrant would be thrown out as evidence in court.

@grj512

Жыл бұрын

Consent makes it admissible, non-consensual and no warrant would make it inadmissible.

These agents are amateurs. Having grown up in South Florida in the 1980s around aviation, I saw lots of "pharmaceutical" delivery operations. 2 guys flying from Cali with weed, with a transponder, flight following, IFR, and in a nice clean 172? Not with any "pharmaceutical" operations we ever observed here. Taking Off really should cover the drug flights of the 1980s. Wild times. I remember we had a padded chain we would wrap around our prop - a "prop lock", very common in S Florida... But raised eyebrows when we put it on the plane in Amish country.

@TakingOff

Жыл бұрын

Interesting

@TheReadBaron91

Жыл бұрын

Worked on a 310 that came from Colorado and smelled very strongly of the devils lettuce. It was also once owned by Anheuser-Busch. Heard similar stories happening nowadays.

How is Arnaldo and his Mooney?

"Am I detained?", "I don't answer questions without a attorney", "I don't consent to any searches or seizures", "I said don't interrogate me without a attorney present!"

"Maybe he did want the cash, he is a fed after all." lol priceless. By the way, legally, they didn't have the right to do about 80% of what they did except you permitted them.

@Curious_Skeptic

Жыл бұрын

Sounds illegal to me

@smartysmarty1714

Жыл бұрын

That's what I was thinking. No warrant? NO SEARCH. I got my pilot's license nearly thirty years ago, so I'm a bit rusty on rules we may or may not have agreed to, but I'd be surprised if they (especially homeland security) can just demand to search your plane. I did experience that at the Canadian border upon entry and re-entry though, and I believe they are allowed to do it at border checkpoints. If anyone knows the accurate details about all of this, I'd appreciate your input.

@MicahMesser

Жыл бұрын

after crossing a border, yes, absolutely they can. However, they cannot demand to search the aircraft (like your car) without a warrant. You MUST present a valid ID and pilot certificate to law enforcement or the FAA if asked but they cannot just search your aircraft. Now...with that being said, the two pilots here did give permission as far as I can tell.

They unloaded everything and assisted in the search. That’s legal consent.

He’s not old enough to remember freedom. But I am. It really makes me sad.

So no search warrant, detained longer than a required stop. That's not a ramp check that's total civil right violation.

Relevant content starts at 6:15

When they asked if there is anything in this aircraft that shouldn’t be you should have said yeah you!!

As with ton of other things in which government is involved, this was overkill.

Weight and Balance Certificate ??? I know my weight and balance because I use it to compute take-off data, it is written in a maintenance log that I keep at the house because the FAA does not want me to fly around with the Log Books. Am I supposed to keep something like that on board?

@jonweber5832

Жыл бұрын

My understanding is that you do need a current W&B in the aircraft to legally fly. Its part of the ARROW checklist.

@bryanaveri6816

Жыл бұрын

@@jonweber5832 I guess you're right, I just checked my pilot log book and there it was, signed by an A&P. I must have known that 15 years ago, Hahaha. Thanks.

I'm curious as to what year this happened. I know AOPA was having a big problem with law enforcement (particularly DHS/CBP) conducting seemingly random searches of pilots' aircraft back in 2013. They raised a big stink about it - making inquiries & FOI requests to CBP and DHS, and even threating to take it to congress - and it seemed to die down after that. The bottom line is, that if stopped by law enforcement of any kind, you are obligated to show them your license, medical, photo ID, and your aircraft's registration and airworthiness certificate. You are NOT obligated to allow them to enter/search your aircraft, personal belongings, or person unless they present a warrant, you are passing through a CBP checkpoint upon entry from a foreign country, or it is an FAA inspector that has presented their 110A. AOPA puts out a nice card that you can print off/screenshot about what your legal obligations are with law enforcement, and how to politely tell them no if they insist they need something further. It is available here: www.aopa.org/-/media/Files/AOPA/Home/News/All-News/2013/June/CBPGuidelinesKneeboard.pdf If this happened recently, I would *highly* encourage Josh to contact AOPA (or any other GA advocacy organization) and give them the details. They will want to know and take action.

@TakingOff

Жыл бұрын

You can check out his channel, and see when that series was, it’s called coast to coast. But it was a couple years ago

If you told them that you guys were gay they would have thrown you in a TX jail 😂

@charlesmoyo4826

Жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🤣 😅😆

I hope you videoed the illegal search

Several have said what I’m about to say, but it bears repeating. This was not a ramp check - the FAA does ramp checks. this was a police search, but not unlawful. You agreed to it. Some lessons learned and I hope the big take away for those watching is to politely tell these assholes that you do not consent to a search. Any other questions like”where are you coming from and where are you going”should be answered by politely reciting the 5th Amendment to the US constitution. They are Feds and they hate the constitution but so far are still bound by it. Thanks for sharing.

Ya dont fly into a public airport smuggling weed ya land off airport to make the drop lol

@bobharris6095

Жыл бұрын

You definitely don't smuggle anything in a 172! Plus they had it loaded with luggage and equipment. No room for bales of weed! LOL!

I’m speculating that this happened because of some kind of algorithm spit out of ADS-B records. A small plane going coast to coast in a short amount of time. I think I would have reacted like you by going along with it , with the exception of giving them your documentation. You should show it to them, not give it to them. They definitely don’t have a right to take possession of without a search warrant. If you would have told them they need a search warrant, they might have gone that direction and it would have taken a lot longer.

I would have done the same thing whether the DOD has the authority or not. I’m assuming your not leaving until they get what they want, whether that means getting a warrant or finding some dumb reason to detain you and search the plane later. Just a crummy fact of life these days I guess.

And this is why it's important to know and exercise your rights. :)

cue the you tube/tic tock lawyer comments

This stuff enrages me. Papers Please! In a thick German accent

Someone at one of the FBOs must have said you’ll look suspicious.

I've watched Aviation 101 for years (granted I am not caught up on his recent videos) but KZreadr's do this kind of thing all the time. Going from Coast to Coast as a Private Pilot is the same as a road trip by air. Unfortunately in this case that DHS guy was way off base. It definitely must have been some crazy person's anonymous call-in. Also I'm not sure how any of that was in their investigative jurisdiction unless you crossed an international border. (Disclaimer: I'm not an attorney or Law Enforcement but that was really weird.) "Sir, do you have any Jamaican's on board?" XD

Why would you let them search. WoW!

So they didn't do a simple google of your name and link the camera equipment to a youtube channel? lol

Hey josh … not pointing fingers but it was probably Brian, i mean I just watched a video of his where he used your tail number on a bunch of odd oil samples….. I would start there

Josh, how DARE you, fly coast to coast, just because. what were you thinking? sheesh

Any law enforcement officer is able to ramp check you. Doesn't have to be a Fed.

@patrickzenk5204

Жыл бұрын

Incorrect. LEO's do not have Federal authority to do a ramp inspection the same as the FAA, but they do have the authority under 14 CFR 61.3(l)(3) to require you to present your pilot certificate, medical certificate, and photo ID for inspection at any time. They don’t have the authority to inspect aircraft documents or aircraft content without a warrant.

I understand rap checks from the FAA. Even though it was homeland security I do not think that was a legal search. I think that is why they was asking you if there was anything in the plane and you should just tell them. Then they have your consent do search. I would be cool if you had the attorneys back and ask them. Now with that being said I think you would of had bigger problems if you protested the search. Just my opinion.

@ryanjones48

Жыл бұрын

4th amendment rights. Come back with a warrant

@HamBown

Жыл бұрын

@@ryanjones48 ya sure, and then they make it their business to "inconvenience" you to the maximum extent possible. Not really worth it if you have nothing for them to find.

@luisfabre1058

Жыл бұрын

What if the would have implanted drugs, if that’s what they were looking for and turn around and say “aha, we found something”. You would have been screwed Josh. It can happen.

@eugeneweaver3199

Жыл бұрын

​@ShesOnly12 Well, it's an "inconvenience " for them when you are a law abiding citizen minding your own business. Unfortunately, most LEO need periodic reminders of law abiding citizens rights!

@ryanjones48

Жыл бұрын

@@HamBown My rights are all ways worth it. Sorry but if they need to go get a warrant if they want to search my personal property.

These guys have received way too many likes and subscriptions on KZread on a cross country trip from FL to TX to Grand Canyon to the Pacific Ocean and back. Just doesn’t add up. (Let’s get’em!) Man, searches would be a whole lot simpler if people would just bring a dog for 2 minutes.

11:30 What was suspicious was your route and pace of flight. Coast to coast including southern California, short time span, landing at airports not listed on your flight plan (GTU instead of HYI), and in a non-descript aircraft. They probably became interested in you because of a search algorithm scanning federal flight-track data. The fact that it was two males in the airplane and it was fully loaded when they finally caught up to you probably just gave them a bad case of federal-agent goose bumps. You matched all the checkboxes of the ones who did that trip with illegal cargo onboard and didn't get caught. I know if was a major hassle for you guys; who wouldn't be upset by that encounter? But I also imagine they felt defeated too. They are charged with finding and stopping flights of distributors, they thought they were over the target, and instead they just looked like a couple of Barney Fifes. Yes, you could have said, "Lawyer", and "Get a warrant", but it seems to me in this situation that would have just pushed them to a hole new level of "These are the guys we've been looking for!" type attitude. Your inspection plates would have been coming off for sure with that reaction.

@timblack33

11 ай бұрын

Finally an intelligent reply on this topic

@agisler87

11 ай бұрын

Ah yes, invoking your rights means you deserve to be hassled. To many of these law enforcement flex power that they don't have. It's also not my job to make their life easier or care about their feelings.

They had to have reasonable articulable suspicion to even engage you in a conversation. You could have refused to speak and asked if you were free to go. You certainly didn't have to comply with a search of your aircraft - for that they either needed a warrant or probable cause that a crime had been committed. To get probable cause, you would have had to have been something that gave them enough evidence that there was likely a crime committed, or they just ignored that fact and figured the badges were enough to scare you into compliance and allowing them to violate your rights. This was a fishing expedition.

I would have immediately called my lawyer. You taking a coast to coast trip doesn’t warrant a search.

The reason- A John Doe flying with a Miguel Lopez, just federal racism

The land of the free.

Hey, cop here (local PD, 8 years), also a pilot. You got screwed. Unless they had a warrant or probable cause, and unless they were the FAA, you could have told them to pound sand and leave. I'm even questioning their ability to bring out a dog at this point, but they could probably get away with that much if it's a port of entry. That's about it. Picture me pulling over a random person and tearing apart their car with zero probable cause. I'd get sued and fired. Rightfully so. This should serve as a warning to all pilots everywhere. Do not let this happen to you. Freedom only exists if you care for it. I know the games law enforcement plays to get around a search warrant. Consent is a thing, however, you are not required to give it. I'm sorry this happened to you. No wonder everyone, including myself, hates feds. Have you contacted AOPA's legal guys over this? I would. Stay safe out there and keep up the good work.

@ScottsSynthStuff

11 ай бұрын

Wrong. They don't need a warrant. We're not talking about Sheriff Jones here, we're talking about CBP. Different rules apply. Specifically: The federal government defines a “reasonable distance” as 100 air miles from any external boundary of the U.S. So, combining this federal regulation and the federal law regarding warrantless vehicle searches, CBP claims authority to board and search a vehicle without a warrant anywhere within this 100-mile zone.

LEOs fishing to take someone to jail. Not a ramp check. You gave them permission to search your personal effects for the purpose of law enforcement action.

WHERE IS THEIR WARRANT?

OK Here is how to handle a ramp check 1. Say NOTHING, smile. 2,. Get out , Lock the plane 3. Show them your certificate, DO NOT hand it to them. 4. Say " If you want to contact me further please do so through the mail" 5. DO NOT SAY ANYTHING ELSE NOTHING They are NOT there to help you . 6 Walk away 7. If they try and detain you ask " Am I under arrest?" The answer will be No Walk away DO NOT SAY ANYTHING!!

You just got to keep in mind that these government guys are here to help.

you had a very strong case against them. you could have bought a new skyhawk with that lawsuit.

So much for being "Land of the Free"... I think the American public have been duped for decades. There are so many three letter acronym Federal organisations in the US, it's beyond belief , although I still want to fly all around it!😅