Meanwhile, the much-castigated Pennsylvania pilot who violated the Washington, D.C., ADIZ on May 11 and caused panic in the Capital has been cut a break by the FAA. Hayden “Jim” Sheaffer will be allowed to reapply for his pilot’s certificate in 10 months, instead of the one-year restriction that was originally imposed, on the condition that he drop his appeal to the NTSB. In addition, “They asked me not to go out, in essence, and badmouth them,” Sheaffer told LancasterOnline. Sheaffer, through his attorney, has said that he had tried repeatedly to make radio contact with authorities that day, but was unsuccessful, contrary to the FAA’s initial report. Sheaffer will have to re-take his knowledge and practical tests in order to get his certificate back. The FAA took no action against student pilot Troy Martin, who was at the controls at times during the flight, since he was never pilot in command. “I think it’s a fair settlement,” Sheaffer’s lawyer, Mark McDermott, told The Washington Post. “My client is interested in promoting safety, so he has elected not to fight it and go through retraining. He’ll get back to flying as soon as possible.”
…And ADIZ Violator Gets A Break
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA reduced Pennsylvania pilot Hayden "Jim" Sheaffer's pilot certificate suspension from one year to 10 months after he violated the Washington, D.C., ADIZ.
- This reduced penalty is contingent on Sheaffer dropping his appeal to the NTSB and agreeing not to publicly criticize the FAA.
- To regain his certificate, Sheaffer will be required to re-take both his knowledge and practical pilot tests.
- No action was taken against student pilot Troy Martin, who was also on the flight, as he was not the pilot in command.
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