With security breaches like this who needs hijackers?
I would like to see this guy's log book. Something about the whole story just doesn't make sense. Horrible article in that it gives precious little information. Just saying he has a 'commerical-rated pilot's license' does not tell the reader anything, other than the fact the writer is woefully ignorant of the world of aviation.
The more I think about it, the less I accept the story at face value. Unless he has time in this kind of aircraft, but you certainly won't know about that from reading the article, I would consider it highly unlikely that he was able to taxi the aircraft, take off, make the trip and then land at the other end. I would also like some more info on the damage to the wing.
Oh well, let's wait and see if someone with some writing talent and knowledge of the subject decides to cover the story.
how did they get home? how did they get out of the airport? how did the kid know what airport to fly into at that time of night?
On the other hand just the cost of the fuel burned on a four hour flight should make it a felony theft.
And fuel, I imagine, limited their return to Florida.
There are old pilots and there are bold pilots, but there are no old, bold pilots.
Somehow, I don't think that the FAA will be letting Wolcott keep his license or commercial rating, after having stolen a plane that he wasn't qualified on.
Mark
Remember, it's not the plane going down that kills you...it's the impact.
Maybe, however he can kiss any license he has and future as a jet pilot good bye. If he's lucky, he may get to fly a crop duster some day