Chippewa Band Impounds Aircraft Following Emergency Landing

The Minnesota Pilots Association has issued an advisory regarding overflights of the Red Lake Indian Reservation in northwestern Minnesota. Turns out, the Red Lake Tribe of the Chippewa Indians passed a resolution this past May denying the U.S. Air Force permission for low-level overflights and simultaneously, banning all flights below 20,000 feet above the reservation.

This came to light when the association received a phone call from a pilot who experienced an engine failure on a VFR flight from Roseau to Bemidji, Minnesota. He was able to maintain control and safely land on a highway, however, it was within the reservation, and apparently the pilot was unaware of the total flight ban. The association said they just learned of it as well.

His airplane was impounded, and the result of the incident and disposition of the airplane is to be decided at a Tribal Trial on November 4, 2025.

Obviously, the part that is of particular importance for general and business aviation is the "establishment of an air ban prohibiting the flying of any airplane over lands of the Red Lake Band of the Chippewa Indians at any altitude below 20,000 feet."

The Association is working with the FAA to determine what issues exist and how to resolve them for the pilot and others who fly near this airspace. At this time it is unknown whether a permanent ban on overflights of the reservation will be allowed to remain in place. They advise pilots to plan their flights accordingly to avoid the airspace until the situation is resolved or clarified.

In an addendum, the Minnesota Pilots Association advises pilots to be aware of the directive issued by the Rad Lake Tribal Council to “report low-flying planes,” meaning altitudes less than 20,000 feet, (assumed to be AGL). To wit: "If you observe a plane flying below this altitude, you should contact Red Lake Law Enforcement at 218-679-3313."

The Association urges pilots to use discretion when considering flights near or over Red Lake Tribal Lands.

FMI:  mnpilots.org/