Bradenton man illegally flew helicopter to Egmont Key without license, prosecutors say
A Bradenton man could spend years in prison after flying a helicopter with passengers aboard despite lacking the required pilot’s license, federal prosecutors said.
Ernesto Cordero, 54, pleaded guilty to operating as an airman without a valid certificate and faces up to three years in federal prison, according to United States Attorney’s Office Middle District of Florida prosecutors. A sentencing date has not been set.
Cordero owned the helicopter and held only a student pilot’s license, which allowed him to fly alone under certain conditions or with an instructor but prohibited carrying passengers. Prosecutors said he repeatedly ignored those restrictions.
The Federal Aviation Administration launched an investigation after receiving complaints about Cordero’s unauthorized flights, according to a news release. In May, a witness reported seeing his helicopter land at Egmont Key State Park, where a passenger got out and later reboarded. The following month, another complaint alleged he flew passengers from a dock in Marathon.
FAA officials later tracked Cordero’s helicopter to Tampa Executive Airport, where he admitted to flying with a passenger, prosecutors said.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Speaking with the Tampa Bay Times, Cordero reportedly said he lowered the helicopter onto Egmont Key because he feared it was leaking fuel.
Fox 13 News reports that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission also charged Cordero with a misdemeanor because the helicopter landing violated Florida’s threatened species law because the vehicle disturbed hundreds of nesting shorebirds on Egmont Key.
