“East Brookfield Man Arrested for Piloting Helicopter From Backyard” (NECN):
A Massachusetts man who previously had his pilot’s license revoked after he helped steal a helicopter has been accused of making dozens of illegal helicopter takeoffs and landings from his East Brookfield home.
Antonio Santonastaso, 59, was arrested Wednesday in connection to the unlawful flights, according to U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling. He allegedly made more than 50 flights from his backyard between April and November of 2018.
Santonastso’s pilot’s license was revoked in 2000 by the Federal Aviation Administration because of his participation in the theft of a helicopter from the Norwood Memorial Airport, officials said.
Cue footage of a Robinson R22.
He may face more prison time than served by the typical convicted Nazi or Japanese war criminal:
Santonastso has been charged with flying without proper certification and making false statements to federal agents. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release.
Glad to see it isn’t anyone associated with our flight school!
Never, ever, ever lie to the feds. That’s a slam dunk conviction. Even if they can’t get you on anything else, they’ll get you on that.