In what critics are calling a ‘bold new chapter in city revenue generation,’ San Diego Parking Enforcement issued a $68 citation Monday to a Cessna aircraft parked on Mission Beach following its emergency landing. The plane, which reportedly suffered engine failure and landed gracefully on the hard-packed sand, was slapped with a bright yellow ticket for exceeding the two-hour parking limit — a city rule that had yet to be tested by aviation.
“Doesn’t matter if it’s a Prius, an e-scooter, or apparently even a Cessna,” said parking officer Sheila Thompson, who was first on the scene. “If it has wheels, it’s getting ticketed. That’s the law.”
Witnesses say the officer circled the aircraft three times, apparently searching in vain for the parking meter before settling for taping the ticket to the propeller. The pilot, Victor Scheider, was reportedly unfazed. “Honestly, after gliding a powerless plane onto the sand between a volleyball tournament and a family reunion, a parking ticket feels like a participation trophy.”
City officials denied allegations of overreach. “We ticketed the plane for everyone’s safety! If we let one small aircraft park, next week it’ll be Southwest trying to save on fuel costs,” a spokesperson said.
As for the future, the FAA and the city are said to be working on joint regulations for aircraft parking: San Diego International Airport may soon offer discounted beach validation stickers.
