Welcome to A Journey With Wings Funeral Directors' reference page. We have several years of experience working with Death Care Industry professionals, and we are able to help you meet the proper legal requirements for the scattering of cremated remains (ashes).

1.0 Requirements

There are specific details necessary for the Death Certificate and the Disposition Permit for both sea and land scatterings. Please contact Tanabe Flying Services if you have any questions about the specific information that must be documented on these forms.

2.0 Laws Governing Scattering

As of January 1, 1999, the State of California has deemed it legal to scatter cremated remains (ashes) over land as long as you have written permission from the landowner or governing agency. For your reference, Assembly Bill 1705 (Chapter 614, Statutes of 1998), adds Section 7116 to the Health and Safety code as follows:

"Cremated remains may be scattered in areas where no local prohibition exists, provided that the cremated remains (ashes) are not distinguishable to the public, are not in a container, and that the person who has control over disposition of the cremated remains (ashes) has obtained written permission of the property owner or governing agency to scatter on the property. A State or local agency may adopt an ordinance, regulation, or policy, as appropriate, authorizing, consistent with this section, or specifically prohibiting, the scattering of cremated human remains on lands under the agency's jurisdiction. The scattering of the cremated remains (ashes) of more than one person in one location pursuant to this section shall not create a cemetery pursuant to Section 7003 or any other provision of law."

A Journey with Wings has obtained blanket letters to perform our services over some of Southern California's most beautiful locations. We will advise your family in obtaining permission for other locations.

Concerning the release of cremains at sea, the Health and Safety Code 7117 reads as follows:

"For purposes of this section, the phrase "at sea" includes the Inland navigable waters of this state, exclusive of lakes and streams, provided that no such scattering may take place within 500 yards of the shoreline. Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow the scattering of cremated human remains from a bridge or pier." This means that scattering at sea can take place close enough to a shoreline that family and friends can watch from the comfort of a beach or pier.

3.0 Request a Demonstration Ride

Periodically A Journey With Wings is able to offer demonstration rides in our Piper Aztec to Death Care Industry professionals. If you or your staff is interested in accompanying us on a demonstration flight, please contact us for the next available date.

4.0 Liability Insurance & Inspection Report

Tanabe Flying Services carries $1,000,000 in professional liability insurance. Certificates of insurance are available upon request. Tanabe Flying Services has been inspected by the California State Department of Consumer Affairs and found to be fully compliant in all areas.

5.0 Mortuary Pricing

Tanabe Flying Service offers custom pricing for mortuaries. Please call us at (562) 691-7227 for details.

6.0 Authorization to Scatter Form

"Scattering" is the authorized dispersal of cremated remains (ashes) at sea, in other areas of the state, or co-mingling in a defined area within a dedicated cemetery as provided in the Health and Safety Code (HSC §§ 7010.7, 7116, 7177). In order to scatter cremated remains (ashes), a CRD must have specific written instructions from the individual(s) with the right to control disposition and must scatter in accordance with those instructions (BPC § 9743). All aircraft used for the scattering shall have a valid certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration. All boats or vessels used for the scattering of cremated human remains shall be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles or federal agency (BPC § 9742).

Tanabe Flying Services can e-mail, fax, or mail you a copy of the Authorization to Scatter Form the TFS-001. This form must be filled out and signed by the decedent's next-of-kin, or the person at the mortuary the family has contracted with to make arrangements on their behalf.

7.0 Filing for Land Scattering

Prior to filing for a Disposition Permit for a land scattering (VS-9), you need to obtain a letter of permission to scatter from the land owner or governing agency. Tanabe Flying Services has blanket letters for Catalina Island, Santa Ana Mountains, and the Santa Monica Mountains. For copies of this letter please contact us. You will be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Also, we have worked extensively with the California State Park System and other government agencies, and we would be happy to help obtain letters from them. Please contact us for assistance.

Contact Us

Please use the animated link below to contact A Journey With Wings or call us at (800) 407-6401.