Fri, Mar 17, 2006
Busted By The FAA, Freeman Serves Out Suspension Time
Aviator and occasional
movie-star Morgan Freeman is again exercising his priveleges as an
airman. Our friends at the World Entertainment News Network checked
in with him and confirmed that the star of a number of very popular
films is back doing something that he really loves... flying.
Freeman was busted in late 2004 for an altitude deviation while
flying though the very busy and very demanding airspace around
non-GA friendly Teterboro airport. The FAA went after him
aggressively and rather than allow for what would have made sense
in such circumstances, namely remedial training, they insisted on a
license suspension. The FAA was trying to ramrod a 90 day
suspension, but reportedly settled with Freeman on a 45 day
hit.
Freeman noted that, "They wanted to give me a 90-day suspension.
I said, `I'm just learning how to fly and 90 days is too long not
to fly.' My lawyers got involved and they agreed on a 45-day
suspension and asked me when I would like to take them."
"I thought that was fair because it is important to keep current
- too much time off flying is not good; it's not like riding a
bicycle. You can get back and fly the airplane but it's always
better where you can reach for the right instrument without
thinking about it."
"So I did my 45 days when I was working and I couldn't fly
anyway. They sent my license back and now I'm flying again."
Welcome back Morgan, y'all keep a sharp on your altitude -- and
keep a sharper eye out for the Feds...
More News
Inversion to Launch Reentry Vehicle Demonstrator Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 This fall, the aerospace startup Inversion is set to launch its Ray reentry demonstrator capsule aboard Spac>[...]
"We are excited to accelerate the adoption of electric aviation technology and further our journey towards a sustainable future. The agreement with magniX underscores our commitmen>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
Aero Linx: OX5 Aviation Pioneers Each year a national reunion of OX5 Aviation Pioneers is hosted by one of the Wings in the organization. The reunions attract much attention as man>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]