Recent Graduate Faces Fines, Jail Time, License Revocation

In the old days, when you TP'd a house or your school, you did it from the ground. Christian James Blachford buzzed Detroit's Harrison High School in a small plane at less than 500 feet earlier this month dropping toilet paper and paintballs.

The June 7 end-of-the-school-year prank got the 18 year-old recent graduate a ticket from local law enforcement and the possibility of up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine if he's convicted of littering on school property, according to the Detroit Free Press.

At the time of the incident, about 1,200 students were in the school, but no one was injured. Federal Aviation Administration rules dictate pilots stay above 1,000 feet over congested areas.

"This could have been a tragedy," Farmington Hills Police Chief William Dwyer said.

The incident is being investigated by the FAA, said Dwyer. Blachford, who holds a pilot's license, could receive a warning or have his license revoked or suspended.

The investigation is likely to take several weeks, according to FAA spokeswoman Elizabeth Isham Cory.

Another man who was in the plane with Blachford will not face charges, said Dwyer.

Blachford is believed to have rented the unknown-type plane in Waterford Township. Several students reportedly knew about the prank were outside at the time, Dwyer said.

Blachford apparently did extensive research on the stunt -- including physics calculations. He should have looked in the FARs, too.

FMI: www.faa.com