Pilot Charged with Flying Jet Without License

LOS ANGELES – Arnold Gerald Leto III, a 36-year-old Irvine man, was arrested this morning on federal charges of illegally flying a twin-engine Falcon 10 turbojet airplane with passengers onboard without having a valid pilot’s license.

The charges were filed in a criminal complaint in United States District Court, alleging that Leto operated the Falcon without having the required co-pilot and was never certified to fly this type of aircraft. The affidavit in support of the criminal complaint also alleges that Leto’s pilot’s license was revoked earlier this year.

Leto is scheduled to be arraigned on the felony offense this afternoon in United States District Court. According to the complaint, the aircraft that Leto piloted alone is a complex aircraft that requires two pilots to operate.

The charge alleged in the complaint carries a statutory maximum penalty of three years federal prison. Leto is charged with illegally flying the Falcon 10 from Van Nuys Airport to Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 8, with approximately eight passengers on board.

“Federal regulations governing the operation of aircraft and other common carriers are designed to protect the traveling public,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “The investigation into Mr. Leto shows that he flagrantly violated these rules – and continued to do so after the FAA took action to take him out of the air. A swift and thorough investigation by the Department of Transportation has now improved the safety of all air travelers.”

This case was investigated by the Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, with assistance by the Federal Aviation Administration. “This case that alleges operating an aircraft without a valid airman’s certificate is a clear signal that those who would seek to circumvent or disregard transportation-related laws and regulations will face serious repercussions,” said William Swallow, regional Special Agent-In-Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General. “Our agents will continue to work with federal, state, and local authorities to ensure safety for the traveling public.”

A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

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