Firearms & Float Planes

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SKILCZ

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Can firearms be transported in a float plane for a tour to a national park? I ask b/c of a comment on a web site I found:

http://www.baldmountainair.com/needs.html

Firearms are not permitted and Federal law prohibits firearms in the aircraft or in the park.
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Is this true? Didn't the federal government just pass a law allowing firearm carriage in national parks? Secondly, can a civilian legally bring a stowed sidearm (in a locked case, unloaded, as it can be brought on a commercial passenger plane) in a float plane? Is there ever a time when a civilian can legally carry a holstered sidearm on a private plane?
 
Here in Alaska you usually (not always) put your firearms and other items like fuel, pepper spray, etc, in the floats. The pilot usually keeps his own firearm in the cabin, but he's the pilot so he can do whatever he wants.
 
Is there ever a time when a civilian can legally carry a holstered sidearm on a private plane?
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Well, is it really a private plane? Are you paying for a ride or is it a friend of yours? If it's a commercial flight, is the operator working under 121, 135, or 91 regulations of the FARs?

For private planes, under Part 91, you can carry a firearm if the pilot says you can. With 121 and 135 it's more complicated, normally the answer is no.

Also depends on the airport and whether or not there is a 'sterile' area.
 
I have carried on several small commercial flights in Alaska where there was no security screening or TSA involvement, and it didn't seem to be a problem.
 
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You won't get screened on any kind of float plane. I have had pilots ask me to put my guns in the floats, and I have had pilots not even mention them.

In either case, you can take your gun along.

They are generally a lot more concerned about things like pepper spray or propane which can "pop" in an unpressurized cabin, than about firearms.
 
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