Pilot Loses License for Buzzing Crowd at Tiger Stadium

The Federal Aviation Administration has revoked the license of a pilot who flew a Lear jet within 500 feet of Tiger Stadium during an American League baseball game, the agency announced Tuesday.

Jeffrey Lawson of New Hudson, Mich., can reapply for his license in a year but must take tests, the agency said.

Lawton and the co-pilot were flying without passengers from St. Louis to Detroit City Airport when the twin-engine plane swooped low over Tiger Stadium “in a careless and reckless manner,” the FAA report said.

The July 30 incident startled 34,261 fans and several players during a game between the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals.

The FAA report said Lawson violated three regulations, including one stating that planes flying over congested areas must stay 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within 2,000 feet either side of the plane.

The jet is owned by Bard Air Corp., a freight charter company based at Detroit City Airport.

“We go along with the FAA decision at this point,” said Judy Page, corporate secretary for Bard.

Lawson has been flying for about five years and has no record of previous infractions, Page said.

Lawson, who could not be reached for comment, has 10 days to appeal the ruling to the National Transportation Safety Board.