[Chemist_Geek]

I was taught, back in ground school in 2001, that CFIs needed a valid Second class to make instructional flights. Apparently that has changed or was incorrect at the time.

To say nothing of the fact that the pilot may have been smuggling illegal aliens. At that point FAR violations are secondary.

Well, if'n they wanted to throw the book at him... He probably made a moving violation in the car on the way to the airport, too. ;-)

[Turbopilot]

I was taught, back in ground school in 2001, that CFIs needed a valid Second class to make instructional flights. Apparently that has changed or was incorrect at the time.

It was incorrect at the time and always has been, although I'm unsure of the date of the Chief Counsel's opinion clarifying that fact. Basically it's the opinion of the FAA that an an instructor is being paid to instruct, not to fly, and thus needs only a 3rd class to be PIC. If the student acts as PIC (e.g. for a BFR or advanced instruction), then the instructor doesn't need a medical at all as he/she isn't PIC.

Well, if'n they wanted to throw the book at him... He probably made a moving violation in the car on the way to the airport, too. ;-)

LOL. "This court finds you guilty, and sentences you to a term of your natural life in a federal facility. Oh, and the FAA revoked your pilot's certificate, just in case your prison has an airfield in it."