A Florida man is facing potential prison time after pleading guilty to operating an aircraft without the proper certification. Ernesto Cordero, 54, Bradenton, admitted to repeatedly flying his personal helicopter with passengers despite only holding a student pilot’s license.
Cordero’s license permitted him to fly with an instructor or solo under specific conditions, but it explicitly prohibited carrying passengers. However, Cordero chose to ignore these restrictions and frequently flew with passengers on board.
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) received multiple complaints about Cordero’s illegal flights, including incidents at Egmont Key State Park and in Marathon. When confronted by authorities at Tampa Executive Airport, Cordero confessed to flying without the required certification and having a passenger on board.
Cordero faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the FAA. Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Buchanan is prosecuting the case.
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