Kentucky-based air ambulance helicopter pilot Morgan J. Wiljanen has been sentenced to eight months of incarceration, 18 months of supervised release, four months of home detention, and a $100 special assessment for operating an air common carrier while under the influence of alcohol. The violation occurred on a flight from Corbin to Richmond, Kentucky.
Wiljanen pleaded guilty to operating an air common carrier while under the influence of alcohol in December 2023. A blood alcohol test indicated Wiljanen had a 0.35 blood alcohol concentration while piloting Air Evac Flight 79, an air ambulance helicopter operated by Air Evac EMS on or around March 21, 2023.
Under FAA regulations, a flight crewmember is strictly prohibited from operating or attempting to operate an aircraft while having a breath alcohol concentration 0.04 or above or while under the influence of alcohol.
Requests for comment to Air Evac EMS were not returned by time of publication. The company describes itself online as a "preeminent provider of air ambulance services to communities in need of advanced emergency healthcare and rapid medical transport."