Texas riverbeds reopen to backcountry pilots

A new Texas law has reopened riverbeds to backcountry pilots.

Aircraft were prohibited from landing on riverbeds as an unintended consequence of a previous Texas law that stated “a person may not operate a motor vehicle in or on a protected freshwater area.”

When landowners complained about aircraft landing on the gravel bars and riverbeds near their properties, Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens began issuing warnings to pilots who had been landing in these areas for years, according to officials with the Recreational Aviation Foundation.

Seeing the need to come to the aid of backcountry pilots, RAF Texas Liaison Tres Clinton began working with Texas State Representative John Cyrier on a fix that would reauthorize this established practice.

“The outdoors and aviation are two of my greatest passions, and this bill quickly became one of my top priorities for the session,” Cyrier said.

Clinton testified in the House committee, noting, “Planes that have the capability to land and takeoff in riverbeds are arguably some of the least impactful vehicles that utilize the river.”

He pointed out that large tires don’t disturb the surface, the distance required is minimal, and the likelihood of operations after dark is slim to none.

“We pilots enjoy the outdoors as much as anglers, boaters, hikers, and campers, and want to share the great state of Texas’s natural resources,” he said.

HB 4436 was passed in June 2021, allowing the operation of an aircraft in or on a protected freshwater area.

“Texas riverbeds are open again for recreational aviation,” said Jeff Miller, a senior advisor to Cyrier.

“Now it’s important for pilots to be aware of the need to promote flying safely, get proper training, and not be a nuisance to adjacent land owners while they land on sandbars,” Clinton concluded.