Oregon Man indicted for flying without Airman's Certificate

Anchorage, Alaska B U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that an Oregon resident was indicted by the federal grand jury sitting in Anchorage, Alaska, for flying without a valid airman’s certificate. The offenses charged occurred in Alaska from April 1, 2010, through June 10, 2010. 

Mark Alan McAlister, age 49, of Medford, Oregon was charged by the federal grand for flying a Piper Supercub, N226T, as a pilot in command when he lacked the necessary airman’s certificate authorizing him to serve in that capacity.

The maximum penalty for flying in command as a pilot without being certified is up to three years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  An arraignment date has not been set.

Ms. Loeffler commends the Federal Aviation Administration for the investigation of this case.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is presumed innocent and
is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.