# Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-20: Pilot may restrain or arrest person interfering with operation of aircraft carrying passengers for hire

> Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-20

## Section

- **Citation:** Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-20
- **Heading:** Pilot may restrain or arrest person interfering with operation of aircraft carrying passengers for hire
- **Jurisdiction:** Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Virginia Code / Title 5.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 2 / Section 5.1-20

## Text

The pilot of any aircraft carrying passengers for hire, or any person subject to his direction, may take such action as is reasonably necessary to restrain or arrest any person who interferes with, or threatens to interfere with, the operation of the aircraft in flight over the territory of this Commonwealth or to a destination within this Commonwealth.

Code 1950, § 5-14.1; 1958, c. 561, § 1; 1966, c. 576.

## Nearby sections

- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-13 Operation of aircraft while under influence of intoxicating liquors or drugs; reckless operation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-13.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-14 Operation of unregistered aircraft](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-14.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-15 Operation of aircraft by unlicensed persons](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-15.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-16 Tampering with, etc., airplanes or markings of airports, landing fields or other aeronautical facilities](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-16.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-16.1 Misuse of licensed airports](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-16.1.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-17 Use of aircraft for hunting](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-17.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-18 Repealed](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-18.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-20 Pilot may restrain or arrest person interfering with operation of aircraft carrying passengers for hire](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-20.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-21 Powers of conservator of the peace conferred upon pilot](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-21.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-21.1 Powers of conservators of the peace conferred upon airport managers or designees](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-21.1.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-22 Interference with operation of aircraft; penalties; venue](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-22.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-23 Jurisdiction of local and State Police](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-23.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-24 Penalties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-24.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 5.1-25 Operation of aircraft by nonresident](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-25.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T5.1_C1_A2_S5.1-20. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.