Lots of VFR day-only pilots who like to putt around never, ever check the NOTAMs. Since the establishment of the TFR system, they really ought to. TFRs can pop up with no notice, and when the Democratic candidate(s) request SS protection, they will all get TFRs on all their travels as well. It's becoming a prestige thing among members of the Nomenklatura.
Also, some corporations have been able to get TFRs around their businesses by judicious application of money to corrupt politicians -- notably Disney and the NFL. In the case of these two, the purpose is to lock in an advertising monopoly. Maybe the Bush administration isn't for sale, but the TSA and the DOT definitely are.
This guy will most likely lose his licence for a period and get some remedial training -- even if nothing else is wrong with his paperwork. Was he ever any threat? Of course not. The TSA is chasing guys like this, and making airline crewmen take off their shoes (that's brilliant... it keeps the pilots from taking control of the plane from themselves), and you can guarantee that any terrorist with above Richard Reid's room-temp IQ will catch them napping.
The TSA is not about security, it's about jobs for unemployable welfare cases from the director on down.
d.o.l.
Criminal Number 18F