Tommy Lee's Chopper Pilot Under FAA Investigation

Rocker's pilot has had his license revoked twice before

By Ashley Fultz Feb 04, 2009 8:51 PMTags
Tommy LeeJean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage.com

Tommy Lee's weekend helicopter joyride is officially under investigation, the FAA tells E! News.

The authorities plan to look into pilot David Martz's actions before, during and after the Sunday flight that ended with a run-in with the LAPD at Van Nuys Airport.

"Absolutely we are going to investigate," says FAA spokesman Ian McGregor. "Over the years we have taken a number of actions against Mr. Martz for violating federal regulations."

While McGregor says he cannot comment on the pending investigation, he tells E! News this sort of matter is not taken lightly. 

"We will investigate any reports that LAPD made to us," he says. "We will talk to witnesses, pilots, review air traffic control and any documentation."

As for possible penalties...

"The FAA can take a range of actions against somebody that violates federal sanctions, ranging from on the low end, a warning letter, to on the high end, license suspension or revocation," McGregor adds.

Judging by his rap sheet, we wouldn't recommend getting into the cockpit with Martz anytime soon. He's had his license suspended and completely revoked not once, but twice.

Once a license has been revoked, the pilot must wait at least one year before applying for a new one.

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