LOS ANGELES (AP) — The pilot of a helicopter that crashed during filming for a new reality TV show in northern Los Angeles County had his flying privileges suspended twice in the past decade.
The Los Angeles Times reports the Federal Aviation Administration suspended the license of 59-year-old David Gibbs for 30 days in December 2003 for operating a helicopter in a careless and reckless manner. Gibbs had his pilot certificate suspended for 45 days in 2007 for failing to communicate with air traffic controllers.
Gibbs and two others were killed Feb. 10 near Acton during the production of a military-themed reality TV show for the Discovery Channel.
Federal officials are investigating the crash.
Producers had clearance from the FAA before they could film the nighttime copter scene.
___
Information from: Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com
©2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
