Unsettling Flyover: Concholakeland HOA Residents Allege Intimidation Tactics by County Commissioner
Date: February 15, 2024
In a concerning incident at 7:38 am today, residents of Concholakeland Unit 6, a subdivision in Vernon, Arizona, witnessed a low-flying yellow cupcrafter top cup TA 18 with an unregistered N number tail number N150GM. The aircraft is alleged to be associated with County Commissioner Carey Dobson, whose actions have been a source of contention for the Concholakeland Homeowners Association (HOA).
Video of incident:
https://youtube.com/shorts/ARMe2gECdpo?si=zrPTErBbqxfsjqCj
The low-flying incident at 7:38 am on February 15, 2024, involving the yellow cupcrafter top cup TA 18 with an unregistered N number tail number N150GM, is not only a source of concern for Concholakeland residents but also raises legal questions. The aircraft, allegedly associated with County Commissioner Carey Dobson, could be considered an illegal flyover under aviation regulations. According to 49 U.S. Code § 46306, knowingly and willfully operating an aircraft without proper registration or using false certificates constitutes a criminal offense. If the unregistered aircraft’s flyover was intentional, it may be subject to fines, imprisonment, or both, as specified in the regulations. This incident adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing disputes in Concholakeland, emphasizing the need for legal scrutiny and accountability.
This incident follows a series of disputes between the residents and Commissioner Dobson, who owns Timberline Ranch adjacent to the subdivision. Residents believe these low-flying maneuvers, executed at altitudes lower than 300 feet, are intentional acts of intimidation aimed at coercing them into leaving the area.
According to the FAA guide:
Over other than congested areas – An altitude of 500 feet above the surface except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In that case, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure. https://www.faa.gov › mediaPDF FAA Guide to Low Flying Aircraft
Source:
Commissioner Dobson’s ownership of Timberline Ranch has been at the center of a complex legal battle, involving allegations of cattle trespassing and property damage. Residents, under the Concholakeland HOA, recently erected a legal four-wire fence to protect their properties from grazing cattle.
This unsettling flyover raises questions about the use of private aircraft for what residents perceive as intimidation tactics. It underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Concholakeland community in defending their rights and properties against perceived abuses of power.
42 U.S. Code § 3617 - Interference, coercion, or intimidation U.S. Code
- The first article¹ below mentions that Dobson’s ranch covers about 200,000 acres of land, which is a very large area. It is possible that he might use aircraft to monitor or transport his cattle, but this is not confirmed in the article. - The second article² is a Facebook group page for Dobson Timberline Ranch, which has 17 members. One of the posts shows a photo of a helicopter with the caption "Getting ready to fly out and check on the cows". This could imply that Dobson or someone from his ranch uses a helicopter for ranching purposes, but this is not verified in the post. - The third article³ does not mention anything about Dobson or his ranch using aircraft, but it does report that he has received compensation payments from the Arizona Livestock Loss Board for wolf depredations. The article also states that the Board uses a helicopter to conduct aerial surveys of wolf packs. This could indicate that Dobson or his ranch has some involvement with the Board’s aerial operations, but this is not explicitly stated in the article.
Source: (1) Protected Mexican gray wolves in Eastern Arizona impacting rancher .... https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/investigations/protected-mexican-gray-wolves-in-eastern-arizona-impacting-rancher-livestock. (2) Dobson Timberline Ranch - Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/316868759540144/. (3) Arizona’s Mexican Wolf Depredation Compensation Program Rife With .... https://azgrazingclearinghouse.org/az-livestock-loss-board/.
It shall be unlawful to coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with any person in the exercise or enjoyment of, or on account of his having exercised or enjoyed, or on account of his having aided or encouraged any other person in the exercise or enjoyment of, any right granted or protected by section 3603, 3604, 3605, or 3606 of this title.
On February 15th, an unsettling incident occurred in our quiet suburban neighborhood, leaving residents shocked and concerned. Carey Dobson, a county commissioner, reportedly executed a low-altitude flyover using a Cupcrafters Top Cub TA-18 high wing aircraft. Eyewitnesses claim that the aircraft was intentionally aimed at the residence of the Lathus family, reminiscent of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, where aircraft were utilized as weapons and tools of intimidation.
The alleged intentional and malicious nature of this flyover has sparked fears within the community, particularly considering the traumatic historical context of 9/11. Reverend Joseph Lathus, captured on video during the incident, expressed his concern, stating, "He's aiming the plane right for my house." Such a deliberate act, seemingly intended to intimidate and cause fear, raises questions about the motives behind this action.
The potential use of aircraft as a means of intimidation and the parallels drawn with past acts of terrorism have led to the involvement of both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Homeland Security. Authorities are taking this incident seriously, recognizing the potential threat it poses to public safety and the security of our community.
Homeland Security, tasked with safeguarding the nation against various threats, including acts of terrorism, has initiated an investigation into the incident. The FAA, responsible for regulating civil aviation to ensure safety, is also actively involved in examining the details surrounding this unusual flyover.
While investigations are underway, it is essential for residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The alleged intentional use of an aircraft for harassment raises not only local concerns but also broader national security issues. As the community awaits the outcome of the investigations, it serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the safety and security of our neighborhoods in an ever-changing world.
For further details on the Concholakeland situation and the interactions between residents, Commissioner Carey Dobson, and the Apache County Sheriff’s office, refer to previous articles on the matter [Protecting Private Property: A Response to Livestock Intrusion in Concholakeland Unit 6 https://readmedium.com/protecting-private-property-a-response-to-livestock-intrusion-in-concholakeland-unit-6-ac59b8d08d68] and Concholakeland HOA, as an Arizona incorporated non-profit organization, has played a pivotal role… https://readmedium.com/concholakeland-hoa-as-an-arizona-incorporated-non-profit-organization-has-played-a-pivotal-role-3e5c1054f1f3. The Concholakeland HOA seeks understanding and support as they navigate these complex and unsettling circumstances.
(Pub. L. 90–284, title VIII, § 818, formerly § 817, Apr. 11, 1968, 82 Stat. 89; renumbered § 818 and amended Pub. L. 100–430, §§ 8(1), 10, Sept. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 1625, 1635.)