Pelican Parts Forums - At last, authorities chasing the bad guys

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A helicopter pilot who rescued a family from an overflowing river, then sought donations for them in exchange for a bird's-eye view of flood-devastated areas is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Jeremy Johnson flew numerous rescue-and-supply missions as part of the relief effort when the Santa Clara River in southern Utah overflowed its banks and devoured 40 homes. One mission included his last-minute rescue of Rolf and Renae Ludwig and their children, who were only able to grab a change of clothes before the flooded river washed away their mobile home.

Later, Johnson gave what amounted to joyrides above the wreckage to anyone willing to donate money to help the Ludwigs, raising about $20,000 in two days.

Johnson said the FAA told him he failed to give the required seven days' notice before offering the rides. Federal authorities also questioned whether he was registered as a charity with the Treasury Department.

"I'm afraid they're going to suspend my license," Johnson said Friday.

He may also have violated FAA rules when he carried explosives and an explosives expert across the river - at the request of local rescue officials - to help free up a blockage on the river that was contributing to the flooding.

That matter is being reviewed separately by the FAA's Hazardous Materials Division, but no investigation has been ordered yet, said Allen Kenitzer, a spokesman for the FAA.

For the potential violations, Kenitzer said, Johnson may face "as little as a reprimand or as much as a revocation of his certificate."
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How ridiculous can you get?, this poor guy does everything he can to help and this is how he gets repaid, another reason I don't donate to international relief funds, if we can't get it right in our own back garden how do you expect anything better abroad ? Who paid this guys fuel and maintenance costs?...how many lives did he save by transporting an explosives expert across the river?, who else raised $20k for a family?... mind boggling!!.