CURB SERVICE PILOT FACES FINE FOR STREET LANDING.

Byline: Amy Raisin Staff Writer

STEVENSON RANCH - A woman who popped in from San Diego to visit her sister's cul-de-sac home Tuesday could face stiff fines for parking her two-seater helicopter on the curb of the residential area, authorities said.

Sheriff's deputies responded to a 3 p.m. call of a helicopter parked on Singer Place in Stevenson Ranch and, after knocking on doors, found the pilot, a woman who dropped by with her mother to visit family, authorities said.

``I had to come respond to this call myself, just to make sure I heard it right,'' said Sgt. Byron Wainie of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. ``I guess she just came by for a visit. Modern conveniences.''

Wainie said the woman, dressed in floral capris and a blue top, seemed surprised by all the fuss and told authorities she is accustomed to flying in places like Montana, where open spaces are plentiful.

``This isn't Montana,'' he said. ``I've been doing this 20 years and I've never seen someone land a helicopter at the curb.''

The Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter sat in the sun, a paper map open and draped over the controls. With American flags flying on nearly every porch, neighbors with young children stood in their driveways chatting with the pilot for about an hour.

Despite the casual atmosphere, Wainie said it was dangerous to land a helicopter on a residential street.

``What if she lost a rotor? Look at all these kids around,'' Wainie said. ``What if she kicked up a rock and took someone's eye out? There are reasons why you can't just land aircraft wherever you want.''

A sheriff's helicopter was called in and sheriff's pilots were on hand to fly the private helicopter if necessary. By 5:15 p.m., however, the woman was permitted to fly her helicopter out of the residential area.

Lt. Brenda Cambra of the Santa Clarita sheriff's station said a citation was pending, as well as an investigation to be handled by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Wainie said he didn't know what kind of fine she will face, but estimated it will be substantial. ``Any FAA violation is going to be hefty,'' he said.

Amy Raisin, [phone]

amy.raisin(at)dailynews.com

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Photo:

(color in SAC edition only) The pilot of this helicopter faces a fine after landing on a Stevenson Ranch residential street to visit a family member.

David R. Crane/Staff Photographer