No Surprises... Judge Geraghty Supports FAA's Efforts, Calls Riggs Warbird Operations A "Sham"

ANN has just learned that NTSB Administrative Law Judge Patrick Geraghty has upheld the FAA's Emergency Revocation Order against a man that many have called the most dangerous pilot in all of general aviation, David Glen Riggs.

The original November 13th 'Emergency Order Of Revocation' Letter stated that, "Under 49 U .S.C. Section 461 05( c), the Acting Administrator has determined that an emergency exists related to safety in air commerce. This determination is based on your lack of qualification to hold your Commercial pilot certificate, or a FAA issued pilot certificate of any kind, because of the nature and seriousness of the violations set forth in this Order."

After a two day hearing in California, Riggs' lawyer not only failed to provide a convincing defense for the aero-con-man, but it appears that Riggs' legal counsel upset the Judge on several occasions and had to be warned several times that actions he was undertaking in Riggs' defense were not going to be permitted. There also appears to be 'significant' interest in undertaking further investigation into suspicions that Riggs tampered with witnesses that testified against him via lawsuits filed against them and correspondence sent to them less than 24 hours before the hearing. Geraghty labeled the alleged attempt to intimidate those witnesses an "unconscionable action."

The FAA seems pleased with the decision... "We were confident in our case and pleased that the judge agreed with us," noted FAA PAO Ian Gregor.

The current situation leaves Riggs but a few days in which to appeal the NTSB's decision before the Revocation is made final. ANN is still receiving information and observation from our correspondents on the scene and will file an updated report, shortly. Stay tuned...

FMI: www.ntsb.gov, www.faa.gov, www.aviationcriminal.com