Watch CBS News

Son Says Father Told Him To Fake Small Plane Inspections at a Pa. Airport

By Tony Hanson

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It was father against son in federal court today, as a 33-year-old man took the witness stand against his father in a case alleging that the required annual inspections on some small airplanes were not done by certified inspectors at one Lancaster County airport.

Joel Stout, the son, has already pleaded guilty to fraud and conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.   Today he testified that he forged the signature of an FAA-certified inspector on several occasions, and he did it because his father, Jay Stout, had told him to.

The Stouts operated a business called Flying Tigers, out of the Donegal Springs Airpark, in Marietta, Pa.

During questioning today by proecutor Arlene Fisk, the son cited one example:

"The customer was there and I was told to make logbook entries and that Brian (a certified inspector) was not able to come in and sign them because the customer was there, waiting to take the airplane back, but that Brian had said it was OK for me to sign them so (I should) just sign them while, basically, Jay took the customer somewhere else away from me so I was able to sign them."

"Who gave you those instructions?" the prosecutor asked.

"Jay did," replied Joel Stout, referring to his father.

But the defense contends that Joel is now lying to get a lighter sentence for himself by making false accusations against his father, who has pleaded not guilty.  Their company is out of business.

 

 

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.