Maharaji Denied in Bid to Triple Copter Use

Maharaji-the professional name now used by Prem Pal Singh Rawat, formerly known as Guru Maharaj Ji-can continue descending from the skies to his landing pad 12 times a year, the annual limit imposed for five years in April, 1983. Six landings were originally allowed in 1980 because Maharaji agreed to install a 45,000-gallon emergency water storage and pumping system that would be available to county Fire Department helicopters.

[Linda Gross] said the firefighting equipment at the helipad should qualify as a public benefit. She said that Maharaji also intends to place utility lines underground near his estate, to minimize the danger to copters flying over Trancas Canyon.

When questioned by Commissioner Delta Murphy, Gross said that Maharaji would continue to allow county access to the emergency equipment even if the limit remained at 12 flights.