NEWS | Small planes surprise sunbathers at Hills Beach

Despite a resident’s concerns, there is nothing that prohibits small planes from landing near Biddeford’s beaches

By RANDY SEAVER | Editor

Some sunbathers at Biddeford’s Hills Beach got a surprise Saturday afternoon when three small planes landed on a nearby sandbar at low tide.

Hills Beach is a narrow stretch of sandy beach on the north side of Biddeford Pool near the mouth of the Saco River.

**THREE SMALL PLANES** landed at the Hills Beach sandbar Saturday afternoon | *Contributed photo*

. . .

Witnesses say there were roughly 20 people on the beach when three planes landed and then took to the skies again after just a few minutes.

“It’s not rare, it probably happens three or four times a year,” said Hills Beach resident Brenda Hunter.

But Hunter said Saturday’s event was notable because of the number of people who were on the beach when the planes landed.

Hunter said the three small planes were only on the ground for a few minutes. “They never stay long,” she said. “But I was surprised that they landed so close to so many people.”

Biddeford Police Chief Joanne Fisk said the city does not have any ordinances that would prohibit small planes landing in public areas.

A spokesperson from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cited federal law and said pilots are required to use their discretion when landing in public areas.

“FAA regulations require that pilots fly so they don’t endanger people or property on the ground,” said Crystal Essiaw, a FAA public affairs specialist.

“While the FAA has sole authority over all the nation’s airspace, local governments can prohibit landing on or taking off from locations within their jurisdiction,” Essiaw said. “Pilots must follow all local zoning laws and city codes.”

**HILLS BEACH** is located roughly one mile east of UNE’s Biddeford campus, near the mouth of the Saco River | *Google maps photo*

. . .

Hunter said the city should consider creating an ordinance that would not allow aircraft to land in close proximity to people.

“This is dangerous and we certainly do not want any beach goers injured,” Hunter said.

Paul Lariviere of Biddeford is the city’s harbormaster and a licensed pilot.

Lariviere said pilots are not allowed to land within 500 feet of any person. Generally speaking, Lariviere also said pilots are required to maintain a minimum altitude of 1,000 feet when flying over the city.

Local Journalism Thrives When Community Stands Behind It If you enjoyed this story, please consider supporting local community journalism by making a donation to the Biddeford Gazette, a community-driven, non-profit news organization fueled by decades of professional experience.

PLEASE DONATE

This story was made possible by the generous support of our readers and these sponsors. Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities | CONTACT US