I was going over some old issues of UPAC news and I came across an article describing some incidents where a disgruntled neighbor started enforcement action against pilots flying from a nearby airstrip. It seems the neighbor was one of those types who just didn't like ultralights, and was just out to cause trouble. When the authorities get a complaint, they have to investigate, and they tend to believe the complaintant(guilty, until proven innocent). This brings me to the issue of logbooks. As pilots, we are required to keep one. As soon as we sign it, it becomes a legal do***ent, right? So, when an official requests it, you are obliged to pass it over. The information in the logbook can then be used against you, say, to prove you WERE flying at the time of the alleged complaint. And no, I havn't a complaint lodged against me, I get along well with my nieghbors! Personally, I like to keep a log, I can look back and see where I've been, weather flown in, etc. But should some vindictive, mean-spirited person target my flying for whatever reason would it be better not to have a logbook, to be used as ammo against me? I find the rules and regulations regarding ultralights pretty easy to get along with (I hope TC doesn't change them), but it bugs me that following the rules can also be used against me!
-Matt
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