Florida Man Is Convicted for Operating a Commercial Aircraft Without a Valid Pilot’s License

On October 23, 2018, Christopher S. Woods pled guilty and was convicted in U.S. District Court, Orlando, Florida to making a false statement regarding his operation of a commercial aircraft without the proper pilot’s certificate.

The August 8, 2018, indictment alleged that on July 11, 2017, Woods operated as pilot in command of a commercial flight in Jacksonville, Florida, although he lacked an FAA airman certificate that authorized him to do so. When questioned by Federal agents, Woods falsely reported that he was licensed by FAA to conduct commercial flights.

DOT-OIG is conducting this investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation with FAA’s assistance.