Quick question about the criminal charges that the Gyrocopter Pilot committed

N918KT

N918KT

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http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/new...ges-For-Capitol-Landing-Updated-224122-1.html

It said that the pilot was charged for operating as an airman without an airman's certificate and violating aircraft registration rules.

Was the gyrocopter the pilot landed on the Capitol a Part 103 ultralight? Or was it an aircraft, probably an LSA? It would seem strange that he would be charged for these two charges if he was flying an ultralight and we know that no pilot certificate is required to fly one nor is it required that an ultralight be registered with the FAA.
 
He was also charged with operating an non-USPS vehicle with USPS logo. :lol:
 
The gyrocopter in question violated both the weight and fuel capacity limits for a legal ultralight, Therefore, it was an unlicensed aircraft and the mailman would have required a pilot's certificate.
 
I find it somewhat funny that busting the FRZ is only a misdemeanor, but violating aircraft registration rules is s felony.
 
mkosmo said:
Well, damn. Just found the indictment and yep, 18 USC 1731 Vehicle Falsely Labelled as Postal Carrier. Too bad he wasn't carrying mail for the legislature when he made his way in.
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I believe that was his intent. To take mail directly to the legislature. Granted, the letters may not have been postmarked.
 
He deserves a medal and promotion to postmaster. The problem he protested is very serious and causes untold corruption within the government. I would bet his Enployment by the post office is trouble free for many years prior to this.
 
Fearless Tower said:
I find it somewhat funny that busting the FRZ is only a misdemeanor, but violating aircraft registration rules is s felony.
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Seems reasonable. One of those offenses violates a regulation that serves a useful purpose, and one doesn't.
 
Lindberg said:
Seems reasonable. One of those offenses violates a regulation that serves a useful purpose, and one doesn't.
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But that's just it...since when has the government made sense? Especially with as big of a deal as they have made out of the FRZ.
 
Fearless Tower said:
But that's just it...since when has the government made sense? Especially with as big of a deal as they have made out of the FRZ.
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We all know the DC ADIZ is BS. And overcharging would be a very bad idea in this case because no one is going to see this guy as a really bad guy. I think the USPS charge shows questionable judgment, and I'd expect a first-amendment challenge. But as for the degree, my understanding is that the DC ADIZ has no special legal status, so a violation there should be the same as other restricted airspace.
 
I think they should let the guy go, and work toward changing the disaster that our government is, like he asks.
In fact I bet if they poll the country >80% would agree with him.
Oh, well. Onward we trudge.
 
Jimmy cooper said:
He deserves a medal and promotion to postmaster. The problem he protested is very serious and causes untold corruption within the government. I would bet his Enployment by the post office is trouble free for many years prior to this.
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Yeah, guy deserves a pardon at least but that would have to come from one of the corrupt politicians he was protesting against.
 
Jimmy cooper said:
He deserves a medal and promotion to postmaster. The problem he protested is very serious and causes untold corruption within the government. I would bet his Enployment by the post office is trouble free for many years prior to this.
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He made a stand against the inequities and injustices many of us talk about. Sadly, there was no one willing to stand with him. What a shame that those who believed in his message didn't take this opportunity to rally behind him.
I didn't and I'm ashamed not to have his conviction.
I don't know if his was the best way to illuminate the issue but he did try.
 
I need to figure out how exactly this should be worded as to catch all the possible loopholes but basically I think we ought to have a very high tax... 50% or more on campaign contributions above what an average person might contribute- say $500. Then require the same of any "issue" ads that might come out if they endorse or attack a specific candidate.
 
He successfully piloted his craft quite a distance, apparently without a certificate. He reminds me of a case in which a guy was charged with practicing law without a license. Allegedly, something was amiss in his bar application. In defending against the charge, he represented himself, drafting and filing his own pleadings. In dismissing the charges, the high court basically said, "well, he did a better job of lawyering that the prosecution, so he must be fit to practice."
 
I'm really surprised that in all the talk about this fellow, no one has mentioned Mathias Rust. He's another fellow that managed to navigate through some rather sensitive airspace and cause some red faces upon landing.
 
Anymouse said:
I'm really surprised that in all the talk about this fellow, no one has mentioned Mathias Rust. He's another fellow that managed to navigate through some rather sensitive airspace and cause some red faces upon landing.
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In some thread or another, it was mentioned that the Soviets saw him coming and judged the threat to be insufficient to warrant taking action, and that the PR drubbing they had recently received for shooting down a stray airliner played a role in their decision.
 
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