KAWASAKI EC-145 (N482AE)

Is he screaming that you're taking the photos? I asked the pilot for permission to photo this helicopter at Muscle Shoals, AL, and he flat told me "No." It's amazing to me that the ANG and Navy personnel will allow me to do walk around photo sets of Apache's, Cobras, Super Cobras, Huey's and Lakotas at certain airports, but the Tennessee Valley Authority will not give me permission to shoot their Kawasaki.

Rick Finch... How do they think (the TVA) that they can stop you?

By chance, does the TVA, as a federal government owned corporation in the United States (created by Congressional charter on May 18, 1933), have something to hide here?

As far as I see it, you are free to capture photos of this helicopter at will... sans any TVA "permission" whatsoever... all day long until the cows come home!!!

That's what I was thinking, Cliff, but TVA is in a fenced off area on the opposite side of the field and across the runways at Muscle Shoals - where he's based. They have their own hangars and even a short little tower. And that's about a two-hour drive from where I live. SO, I thought I'd be polite and ask. I am so glad Daniel got this shot of the pilot yelling or screaming while he's in the "driver's seat" - exactly the type person I think this guy is.

Rick - oddly that helicopter is not marked with any TVA logo or identification... and the FAA registry clearly states that TVA is the owner of this aircraft.

I do not understand their reticence and stern refusal to be photographed! How can there be any "security" risk to them?

The only time I've been restricted or otherwise asked to delay taking photos of an aircraft was during a POTUS visit to KJAN in the mid 1970's... and that was of a support aircraft... an Air Force C-141B. This Starlifter had the "com" gear on it along with the "official" presidential limo... and once they got it unloaded and buttoned up, I was given full access... :-)

I think it's somebody's personal taxi. It's in the air every single day going back and forth to Chattanooga or up toward Nashville. It shows up on Virtual Radar all the time. Speaking of POTUS, I knew several people who tried to get somewhere around Huntsville International - including on the parking deck - when Air Force Two came to visit several months back, and they were run off everywhere they went. Secret Service even told the folks in the companies surrounding the airport to stay inside.

Rick... the FA "Activity Log" on this registration shows more than a few destinations in AL and TN... :-)

Their refusal to allow photos of this TVA helicopter is puzzling to say the least.

I'll surmise from your comments that Secret Service protective security protocols have ratcheted up and become very restrictive.

Yeah, the Airport Chief of Public Safety told me several places I could pull off around the taxiways and runways to get good shots. And when I got checked by some of his officers early on, I just mentioned his name and it was like "Open Sesame" and I haven't been checked since.