Investigations
Private Pilot Pleads Guilty to Providing False Statements to the FAA
On February 20, 2013, Stephen Novak, a private pilot, pled guilty in United States District Court, Western District of Oklahoma, to a charge of making false statements to the FAA in connection with obtaining a pilot's medical certificate.
Novak failed to report several alcohol related criminal offenses during his airman medical re-certification. During the follow-up interview by the FAA, Novak claimed he had been abstinent from consuming alcohol since 2008. However, a review of criminal records disclosed Novak had two driving under the influence convictions after 2008, and three in a five year period which would have disqualified him from obtaining an airman medical certificate; a requirement for a pilot's license.
Sentencing has been set for May 23, 2013.