Investigations
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April 24, 2017
California Man Sentenced to 10 months in Federal Prison for Operating an Aircraft Without an Airman Certificate
On April 24, 2017, Arnold Gerald Leto III was sentenced in U.S. District Court, Los Angeles, California, to 10 months in Federal prison and ordered to pay a $5,500 fine for operating an aircraft in air transportation without an airman certificate. He pleaded guilty to these charges in October 2016.
The investigation found that Leto piloted aircraft with passengers although his license had been revoked. FAA records revealed that he operated aircraft in California, Nevada, Arizona, Illinois, and Indiana. On January 12, 2016, FAA issued an Emergency Order to revoke his pilot’s license, because he was operating an aircraft he was not certified to fly. As recently as April 8, 2016, Leto was observed at the Van Nuys, California, airport piloting an aircraft with passengers. Air traffic control data confirm that his plane operated several flights after his license was revoked.