Sunday, August 07, 2016

Helicopter pilot arrested for flying feet above moving cars: Thomas Vorstman charged with operating aircraft in reckless manner

Thomas Vorstman 
 Osceola County Sheriff's Department.


The Osceola County Sheriff's Department responded to reports of a low-flying helicopter in Kissimmee.

Deputies say it was seen in the area of West 192 on Saturday.

Thirty-one-year-old Thomas Vorstman of Orlando was arrested and charged with Operating an Aircraft in a Reckless Manner and Resisting Without Violence.

The sheriff's department says that Vorstman was flying only a few feet above the tops of cars along the roadway.

They responded to Orlando HeliTours where the aircraft is registered and waited for Vorstman to return. Upon his return, he refused to power down the helicopter and wouldn't get out to speak with authorities.

Five minutes later, he met with deputies and told them he "had a heavy load" and explained why he was flying low over traffic.

Vorstman was then fired from Orlando HeliTours and arrested.

He's been booked into the Osceola County Jail.

Deputies notified the Federal Aviation Administration of the incident.

Osceola County – On August 6, Osceola County Sheriff's deputies were patrolling in the area of West 192 in Kissimmee when they observed a red helicopter flying a few feet from the tops of cars traveling both eastbound and westbound. The helicopter's proximity was so close to the cars, that if a passenger van or semi-truck were traveling the same direction, there would have been a collision with the aircraft. At one point, a motorist, who witnessed the incident, alerted the deputy to make sure he saw the helicopter, too.

Deputies responded Orlando HeliTours located at 5071 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, where the aircraft is registered, and spoke with the manager. They explained the incident they witnessed and asked to speak with the pilot, identified as Thomas Vorstman, upon his return. Deputies waited for Vorstman near the helicopter pad, but when he returned, he refused to exit the aircraft. Deputies made numerous attempts to get Vorstman to meet with them, but he would not turn off the aircraft and, for safety concerns, they were not able to approach him. Instead, Vorstman advised he could not exit and left in the helicopter with a group of passengers. 

Approximately 5 minutes later, Vorstman returned and, after finishing his safety checks and exiting the aircraft he met with deputies. He told them he “had a heavy load” and explained why he was flying low over traffic. They also spoke with the company owner who told deputies their pilots have procedures for handling matters like this which contradicted Vorstman's actions. Due to the safety concerns and Vorstman's reckless behavior, the company owner terminated Vorstman's employment immediately.

Based on the statements and evidence, Vorstman was arrested and charged with Operating an Aircraft in a Reckless Manner and Resisting Without Violence. He was booked into the Osceola County Jail. Deputies notified the Federal Aviation Administration of the incident.

Thomas Vorstman (DOB 3/1/85), 9103 Avenue Point Circle, Orlando

Source:  http://www.nbc-2.com



OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. - A helicopter pilot was arrested Saturday after deputies said they spotted him flying just a few feet above cars traveling in the area of West U.S. 192 in Kissimmee.

Deputies said Thomas Vorstman was so close to the cars that if a passenger van or semitruck were traveling in the same direction, there would have been a collision with the helicopter.

Osceola County deputies waited for Vorstman at the helicopter air pad, but when he returned he would not exit the aircraft. They said due to safety concerns, they were not able to approach him.

Vorstman reportedly took off in the helicopter but returned five minutes later and met with deputies.

Vorstman told deputies he'd "had a heavy load," which was why he was flying so low over traffic, but the owner of the company, Orlando HeliTours, told deputies their pilots have procedures that contradicted Vorstman's actions.

Vorstman was arrested and charged with operating an aircraft in a reckless manner without violence. He was booked into the Osceola County Jail.

Vorstman was also terminated from the company.

Story and  photos:    http://www.clickorlando.com

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – On August 6, Osceola County Sheriff's deputies were patrolling in the area of West 192 in Kissimmee when they observed a red helicopter flying a few feet from the tops of cars traveling both eastbound and westbound.

The helicopter's proximity was so close to the cars, that if a passenger van or semi-truck were traveling the same direction, there would have been a collision with the aircraft. At one point, a motorist, who witnessed the incident, alerted the deputy to make sure he saw the helicopter, too.

Deputies responded Orlando HeliTours located at 5071 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, where the aircraft is registered, and spoke with the manager. They explained the incident they witnessed and asked to speak with the pilot, identified as Thomas Vorstman, upon his return. Deputies waited for Vorstman near the helicopter pad, but when he returned, he refused to exit the aircraft. Deputies made numerous attempts to get Vorstman to meet with them, but he would not turn off the aircraft and, for safety concerns, they were not able to approach him. Instead, Vorstman advised he could not exit and left in the helicopter with a group of passengers. Approximately 5 minutes later, Vorstman returned and, after finishing his safety checks and exiting the aircraft he met with deputies. He told them he “had a heavy load” and explained why he was flying low over traffic. They also spoke with the company owner who told deputies their pilots have procedures for handling matters like this which contradicted Vorstman's actions. Due to the safety concerns and Vorstman's reckless behavior, the company owner terminated Vorstman's employment immediately.

Based on the statements and evidence, Vorstman was arrested and charged with Operating an Aircraft in a Reckless Manner and Resisting Without Violence. He was booked into the Osceola County Jail. Deputies notified the Federal Aviation Administration of the incident.

Source:  http://www.firstcoastnews.com

5 comments:

  1. All that flight training down the tubes......

    ReplyDelete
  2. Arrogant Ahole..He is mentally twisted..Jail him..Im a 3 decades CFI Aerobatics and Bush Pilot and also Spray Pilot

    ReplyDelete
  3. I agree --- Jail the immature punk!

    Jail time = not being there when his son is born, no champagne, no personalized massages by young ladies, no peaceful/calming music, no exotic tea, no tasty snacks, etc............

    From ‎Thomas Vorstman‎ to The Woodhouse Day Spa - Orlando
    July 25 · "My wife and I walked in without any appointment ahead of time. We were referred by a close work colleague of mine. From the moment we walked in, we were completely taken care of. We walked in, discussed what we wanted, without any pressure or sales tactics. They then took us into a peaceful waiting room and signed some basic paperwork. Next, we were taken to the locker rooms, and changed in to our robes. The bathrooms were very clean and a variety of amenities. After we changed, we went back to the waiting room, where peaceful music plays, and there are about 10 different hot teas to choose from and a variety of snacks. We waited about 45 mins for our couples massage. They came and got us and brought us to our shared room. The masseuses took the time to personally discuss with us, exactly what we wanted, (The areas of our bodies to focus on, and the touch we desired). The entire massage was amazing. 100% PERSONALIZED. After our 50 minute massage, they offered us our choice of champagne, wine, or whatever our favourite beverage was. I had the champagne, and my pregnant wife had orange juice. Champagne was delicious. We will definitely be returning soon, after the birth of our son. They cater to you, and the services and amenities are wonderful. Cheers for taking care of us!"

    ReplyDelete