Fatal helicopter flight instructor Ian King found guilty

[mhm]

A flying instructor whose student died in a helicopter crash has been found guilty of lying to get him a licence.

Ian King, 53, of West Yorkshire, had denied signing off inaccurate training records for Paul Spencer.

Mr Spencer and his wife Linda died in the crash at Rudding Park, near Harrogate, on 26 January 2008.

The judge at the five-day trial at Leeds Crown Court said Mr King displayed a "gross breach of trust". He will be sentenced next month.

In 2007, former Army captain Mr King recorded that his pupil had completed 51 training flying hours against the Civil Aviation Authority's demanded minimum of 45 hours.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20962710

[viking9]

Ian joined the Army Air Corps in the late 70's as a Private and qualified as an observer. He eventually trained as a pilot and then became a QHI, eventually earning a commission and being promoted to the rank Captain. He was an excellent instructor and those who knew him well just can't believe he falsified documents.