Aircraft Will Continue To Have Access To The Beach

This is the way local governments are supposed to work.

The Neptune Beach, FL City Council Monday night pulled a proposed change to its traffic code that would have banned powered paragliders from operating on the beach in Neptune Beach.

The change had been proposed by Councilman Scott Wiley, who had been approached by some residents living on or near the beach who had concerns about noise and safety issues with the aircraft. But after meeting with powered paraglider pilots and residents, Wiley Monday night asked that the proposal be pulled from the agenda.

Leslie Britt, an Orange Park, FL resident and paraglider pilot who spoke for the paragliders, said that the group of about eight powered paraglider pilots who normally operate at the beach have established some self-regulating guidelines that it is hoped will eliminate the concerns. Among those guidelines are a pledge to not operate from Neptune Beach on holidays and weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day "unless conditions permit," to vary their takeoff and landing areas so that they are not always at the same place, and to take off and immediately exit the area, flying over the ocean so as not to disturb the residents. "We heard the complaints loud and clear," Britt said, adding that the pilots hope to be able to portray themselves in a better light.

Neptune Beach resident Lynda Padrta said she still has concerns about allowing the "flying machines" to operate on the beach, saying that the current ordinance does not allow any other gas-powered vehicle to operate on the sand, and there is even a prohibition against gas grills. She also said there were environmental issues to consider.

While Wiley had had some complaints from residents, Mayor Harriet Pruett said she had not heard any concerns about the aircraft operating on the beach, and was not aware of any public safety issues connected with the aircraft.

The paragliders pilots also said they would not fly over homes or decks, and would avoid the dunes except on approach to landing. They are distributing their guidelines on various websites among the paraglider community, as well as on social media.

The powered paraglider pilots met with other members of the council as well in an effort to work out the compromise, which will be given an opportunity work. However, the ordinance could be revived if the issues are not resolved by self-regulation.

FMI: www.experienceppg.com/Beach_Flying_Guidelines.html