Investigations

On August 5, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California sentenced Nicholas Beyer to 12 months’ probation and a $400 special assessment. In March 2020, Beyer’s airman’s certificate was revoked by FAA. Beyers, a former pilot, was convicted of making false statements to FAA on airman medical certification forms regarding receipt of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. FAA uses the airman medical certification process to evaluate whether pilots are mentally and physically fit to fly.

 

Evidence at trial showed that Beyer made false statements on airman medical certificate applications, which he submitted to the Agency in 2016 and 2018. Beyer also falsely stated on both applications that he had never been diagnosed with, did not have, and did not previously have a mental disorder of any sort—which was not accurate. Additionally, Beyer falsely stated on the forms that he was only receiving VA disability benefits for knee and back injuries, despite receiving benefits for a major depressive disorder.

 

DOT-OIG conducted this investigation with VA-OIG.