WILTON – The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a complaint that a Jay helicopter pilot frightened police and cows by hovering low over them.

The pilot’s name was not released.

Wilton police officer Blaine Rackliff said he filed a report with the FAA after a privately owned helicopter hovered over him July 4. He said he was issuing motor vehicle summonses between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. Sunday on Burgess Hill in Wilton when a black helicopter hovered above him.

“It made me nervous, having him hover above me,” he said.

After three traffic stops, each with the helicopter overhead, Rackliff learned from Jay police officer Jeff Fournier that the pilot was from Jay.

Police received several complaints from Wilton residents that on July 1 the helicopter was flying too low. A local farmer also said the aircraft frightened his dairy cows.

FAA regulations state that pilots must maintain a minimum altitude of 1,000 feet in congested areas and 500 feet in all other areas.

Helicopters, however, may be operated below those minimums “if the operation is conducted without hazard to persons or property on the surface,” according the code.

In a telephone interview, Jim Peters of the FAA said the definition of a congested area is open to interpretation but is determined by the FAA in each case.

Peters confirmed that the administration has received Rackliff’s report and would be investigating. If the pilot violated FAA regulations, he or she could be subject to license suspension or revocation and a fine. A determination is not expected for two weeks.

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