Investigations

On October 14, 2021, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida sentenced Eduardo Aching to 2 years of probation, 100 hours of community service, and a $100 special assessment. On July 13, Aching was convicted for operating an airplane in a commercial capacity with a revoked airman’s certificate. FAA previously suspended Aching’s medical certificate for failing to report a driving under the influence arrest. However, the pilot continued to fly airplanes on at least 10 different occasions. Aching also presented an altered medical certificate to an FAA inspector. Consequently, FAA revoked Aching’s commercial airman’s certificate, but they continued operating airplanes as a “for hire” pilot. After being arrested by local police for failing to present pilot documents when requested, Aching again operated an airplane on a commercial flight.

 

DOT-OIG conducted the investigation with substantial assistance from FAA’s Flight Standards Division Office in Miramar, Florida, and the Monroe County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office.