Pilot tried to strike officers with plane a DC-3

[gary1954]

I went to Griffin on a side trip a few months back, and saw his DC3 parked next to a hangar, he and another mech-in-neck were doing some maintenance on it. I asked if I could take some photos of the interior/cockpit. He said sure, then, as I was about to climb in, he canceled my request saying that he didn't want the pictures turning up on the web showing it in its current state, someone would say something like "that ain't right" and would have the FAA on his butt. He did however tell me that if I came back in a week or so, he'd take me up for a ride and photos. Honestly, he did, at that time, give me the impression of being a little paranoid, and the offer of a ride a quick fix, as nobody offers to fire up a DC3 and fly a "no body" around for nothing but interior photos. Sure hated not being able to get back over there though.

[Ken]

Dan was a well-respected pilot in the aviation community. Besides being a Delta 767 or 777 Captain, he owns and operates the Herpa DC-3 in which he does airshows and also offers type ratings in. He also is one of the aero-news.net television reporters.

Not a Captain. Until you really know someone, have meaningful dealings with them, or have spent time with them away from the limelight you can't say. I'll withold judgement until the facts come out but I can't say that this is a total surprise.

[aerovin]

Dan was a well-respected pilot in the aviation community. Besides being a Delta 767 or 777 Captain, he owns and operates the Herpa DC-3 in which he does airshows and also offers type ratings in. He also is one of the aero-news.net television reporters.

Not a Captain. Until you really know someone, have meaningful dealings with them, or have spent time with them away from the limelight you can't say. I'll withold judgement until the facts come out but I can't say that this is a total surprise.

I know Dan and have spent a fair amount of time with him. He's not paranoid but is careful with his dealings with the FAA. He is a successful businessman and has offered a valuable service to the vintage airplane community with his DC-3 training. He's one of the few people out there who has figured out a way to make money with old airplanes. All the guys on this topic who are eagerly sharpening their knives aren't doing anybody any favors. On the reported news, Dan let and helped a situation get way of control and it appears it has been blown way up out of proportion. Perhaps we should reserve judgement on one of our own until the whole story is in.

[the330thbg]

Isn't that guy a Delta pilot?

You recognize him. Wow you must fly them alot!!!!!

[gary1954]

I don't have a knife, though there are a few in the Kitchen, I have nothing against the man, he was just apprehensive about me photographing the interior of his plane, said I could, then said I couldn't, and this is not a problem with me...his plane...his rules...and he can change them as he desires. He was polite to me, he just started acting a little strange while I was makin photos of his plane. Agreed that he helped a minor thing go to the size of a tactical nuke for him. Provided he has never been in "trouble with the law" and cops a plea deal, he might be able to get "first offender" in the state of georgia, and after successful completion of probation, he can request that the conviction be removed, and this will go away to everyone but the coppers. If he goes to trial......it could get ugly.

[m charters]

Have never met the fellow, but we all have our days. Anyone here how his day in court went?
Seems I remember him making comments on Avweb at Oshkosh after the A-380 arrival...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iIG1ZOPLJA

[BHawthorne]

Have never met the fellow, but we all have our days.

If what is written of the story is to believed, it's odd, but I can pretty much guarantee most of us have never had quite that bad of a day to do some of the irrational things mentioned.

[b17engineer]

A further article says that he has a history of problems at the airport and has been suspended from his job at Delta Airlines.

RICK

[muddyboots]

Rick, could you link to the new article for us?

[Obergrafeter]

I would really like to know who or what the original ENFORCEMENT officers were? Dog catchers, water conservation officers, building inspectors or what? Maybe this guy had a right to be pissed off of some Barney Fife got in his face. Maybe they were interfering with the operators right to operate his aircraft. Come on TSA stand up for the pilots some time.