LOS ANGELES : Use of Fire Dept. Copters for Private Lessons Alleged
Prosecutors have opened an investigation into allegations that a Los Angeles Fire Department pilot who has been decorated for heroism has given private flying lessons using city helicopters, fire officials said Thursday.
The pilot under investigation, Patrick G. Quinn, allegedly provided a friend with at least 26 hours of training on two helicopters, according to an attorney who filed a complaint with city prosecutors. The Bell copters based in Van Nuys are used for fighting fires and emergency airlifts.
Quinn, a winner of the department’s Medal of Valor for heroism, has a spotless record, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, and was described as a “great pilot” by Assistant Fire Chief Robert Ramirez. A city firefighter since 1962, Quinn could not be reached, and his lawyer did not return a phone call.
Fire Department rules prohibit unauthorized use of department property.
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