Tuna Spotting, tuna boat ops (incl Guam)
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Tuna spotting
Dear all,
How is the tuna spotting market today?
I'm looking for building hours jobs, and think tuna spotting is a good solution.
Any advise to give me?
Thank you for all information you can provide to me...
JMP
How is the tuna spotting market today?
I'm looking for building hours jobs, and think tuna spotting is a good solution.
Any advise to give me?
Thank you for all information you can provide to me...
JMP
Join Date: Oct 2011
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legally flying on tuna fishing ?
Hi everyone, here's my question, I'm thinking about going on tuna fishing to built my time, but which license do I need? PPL FAA it's enough? I don't want to spend one year of my life flying "illegal" hours.
I was told that it's enough with a PPL FAA and a type endorsement of the machine you're going to work with, is that true? any experience on that anyone?
I have a EASA CPL btw, thanks a lot!
I was told that it's enough with a PPL FAA and a type endorsement of the machine you're going to work with, is that true? any experience on that anyone?
I have a EASA CPL btw, thanks a lot!
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The aircraft reg has to be for the State that your licence covers. Most boats carry US reg, some New Zealand.
For you there is no point flying an N or VH reg aircraft if you hold an EASA licence. The aircraft then has to be maintained to the standard of that State.
So ask the boat Capt that you are working from and the engineer that works on the boat.
I have heard of companies just putting a new rego on for convenience that doesn't show up on a register anywhere.
For you there is no point flying an N or VH reg aircraft if you hold an EASA licence. The aircraft then has to be maintained to the standard of that State.
So ask the boat Capt that you are working from and the engineer that works on the boat.
I have heard of companies just putting a new rego on for convenience that doesn't show up on a register anywhere.
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legally flying on tuna fishing ?
Well sometimes it can be difficult to know on which boat/helicopter you're going to work so may be the best option is to obtain the FAA PPL which will cover the most if them.
Thanks CYHeli
Thanks CYHeli
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Tuna boa
Hey everyone, I just accepted a job for Hansen helicopters a week or so back. I've read the bad and good threads and as one who likes extremes and or being in the 
, I'm not looking for opinions on whether or not it is a good gig or not. I just want to know what others have packed and forgot to pack. How pay worked, how going to port worked etc. thanks!!
, I'm not looking for opinions on whether or not it is a good gig or not. I just want to know what others have packed and forgot to pack. How pay worked, how going to port worked etc. thanks!!
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Tunaboat Helicopter Operation Info.
Hey mates!
I´m searching for books/blogs/written experiences or manuals related to flying and fishing the tuna in the pacific. I´m gathering all information and experiences findable in the net
before fitting the bayonet and go for the adventure...
If one of you know of some good book or blog where this operation is discussed it will be emotively appreciated if he shares it.
There it goes a link with excellent tunaboat stuff for those who want to read from the experience of a veteran tuna pilot.
View Series - Writers Harbor
Thanks and good flights to all!
I´m searching for books/blogs/written experiences or manuals related to flying and fishing the tuna in the pacific. I´m gathering all information and experiences findable in the net
before fitting the bayonet and go for the adventure...
If one of you know of some good book or blog where this operation is discussed it will be emotively appreciated if he shares it.
There it goes a link with excellent tunaboat stuff for those who want to read from the experience of a veteran tuna pilot.
View Series - Writers Harbor
Thanks and good flights to all!
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Hi everyone!
I applied for a tuna pilot position posted in helijobs in September, and they answered me with some info about the job and after that they asked for my phone number.
i just wanted to know if any of you were chosen for this position, or has ever done an interview with Tropic.
Thanks!!
I applied for a tuna pilot position posted in helijobs in September, and they answered me with some info about the job and after that they asked for my phone number.
i just wanted to know if any of you were chosen for this position, or has ever done an interview with Tropic.
Thanks!!
Applying to Tropic
Tropic are still hiring. Covid has made a mess of the industry for crew leaving and joining fishing boats, but they have a fixed wing and a support vessel to get out to the fleet on the high seas. I have done two tours with Topic and one with Hansens. If you value your life dont go near Hansens. They are also operating as Pacific Spotters to hide from the FAA. They are using junked helicopters with old ex Vietnam c18 and C10 and even C 5 engines. Tropic are mostly C20 and C20B, and are using civilian 500 C and D. I had a real neat D model.
There is some press starting to come out about Hansens. They are in deep trouble. Nine persons killed and 16 seriously injured on helicopters with fake airworthiness certificates and forged data plates, and a corrupt FAA inspector about to go down with John Walker and his crony's. They are facing 100 or more felony counts. The lights are about to go out. Be warned., check the internet press, particularly in Guam
Tropic is a family business and tend to look after their crews better. Pay more as well.
There is some press starting to come out about Hansens. They are in deep trouble. Nine persons killed and 16 seriously injured on helicopters with fake airworthiness certificates and forged data plates, and a corrupt FAA inspector about to go down with John Walker and his crony's. They are facing 100 or more felony counts. The lights are about to go out. Be warned., check the internet press, particularly in Guam
Tropic is a family business and tend to look after their crews better. Pay more as well.
Administrator
Notasamodnoranadmin
There is a related thread here about a tragic case of bad helicopter company management.
Draw your own conclusions.
There is a related thread here about a tragic case of bad helicopter company management.
Draw your own conclusions.
How true is this post? Time shows its absolutely 100% spot on.
In the mid 90's there were seven operators in Guam. Hansens operated relics from Vietnam with military 63-A-5 engines... not even a proper C18'. They bought them by the container load ex military scrap sales . They purchased some civilian 500's over the years, and removed the C20's and put in old 250hp dash 5 engines.
They were able to force the prices down by their shoddy operations and as a result other operators shut up shop. The same actions meant that pilots salaries were kept low. Other operators couldn't increase rates. In the mean time pilots died in Hansens death traps built from junkyard hulls . They have now been caught up with by the FAA , FBI and the Department of Justice. They have been caught out with a number of helicopters literally purchased from an Italian scrap metal dealer rebadged with false airworthiness and registrations. People have died in these flying tarted up scrap boxes.
In the mid 90's there were seven operators in Guam. Hansens operated relics from Vietnam with military 63-A-5 engines... not even a proper C18'. They bought them by the container load ex military scrap sales . They purchased some civilian 500's over the years, and removed the C20's and put in old 250hp dash 5 engines.
They were able to force the prices down by their shoddy operations and as a result other operators shut up shop. The same actions meant that pilots salaries were kept low. Other operators couldn't increase rates. In the mean time pilots died in Hansens death traps built from junkyard hulls . They have now been caught up with by the FAA , FBI and the Department of Justice. They have been caught out with a number of helicopters literally purchased from an Italian scrap metal dealer rebadged with false airworthiness and registrations. People have died in these flying tarted up scrap boxes.
Ha Ha Just found this. All historical now, but its a good lesson for all in placing too much credence on what is put about. Cross check what you read (including my post!)
I flew for Tropic for two years at the time of the post. They had nine helicopters at that time. They lost one due to pilot error. The usual tie down. A kiwi pilot and it was near Wewak. Cant remember his name. He was repatriated to Cairns and sent home. Tropic self insure the hull, and they have third party liability for the ship. Their workers comp is from somewhere in Australia ,as the dumb careless pilot was repatriated by the insurance company.
Hef is spot on. Its an expensive business and margins are very low, as Hansens were (and still are) operating Vietnam war relics with C10 engines and some C18 engines. and forcing the prices down, trying to drive out competition. They actually take out a C20 and sell it, putting in C18's (T62-A-700 military engines out of the US Army disposals).
I understand there were seven operators in Guam in late 1990's. Johnny Walker purchased Hansen's from Vern Hansen in about 1998, and the downhill path commenced.
One by one the long time established operators shut up shop except for three. Tropic moved out of Guam, and HeliGuam (Victor Reyes) went belly up owing pilots large salaries and unpaid bonus payments, and they rebirthed as Pesca Helicopters in Pohnpei with three helicopters. Richard Grills an Australian pilot tried to lift the boat out of the water being while still fixed to the deck matting. The end result he finished up bungy jumping over the side inside his helicopter. Victor gave up , made his second helicopter a spare parts basket and flew on for several years as his own pilot mechanic. I think on a Taiwanese boat. Probably a Winfar boat. He finally gave up competing with Hansen's K mart prices and junkyard parts and retired to open a Pizza outlet in Guam. The Hansen story is well documented in WWW.Hansen-Helicopters.com.
with his helicopter st.
I flew for Tropic for two years at the time of the post. They had nine helicopters at that time. They lost one due to pilot error. The usual tie down. A kiwi pilot and it was near Wewak. Cant remember his name. He was repatriated to Cairns and sent home. Tropic self insure the hull, and they have third party liability for the ship. Their workers comp is from somewhere in Australia ,as the dumb careless pilot was repatriated by the insurance company.
Hef is spot on. Its an expensive business and margins are very low, as Hansens were (and still are) operating Vietnam war relics with C10 engines and some C18 engines. and forcing the prices down, trying to drive out competition. They actually take out a C20 and sell it, putting in C18's (T62-A-700 military engines out of the US Army disposals).
I understand there were seven operators in Guam in late 1990's. Johnny Walker purchased Hansen's from Vern Hansen in about 1998, and the downhill path commenced.
One by one the long time established operators shut up shop except for three. Tropic moved out of Guam, and HeliGuam (Victor Reyes) went belly up owing pilots large salaries and unpaid bonus payments, and they rebirthed as Pesca Helicopters in Pohnpei with three helicopters. Richard Grills an Australian pilot tried to lift the boat out of the water being while still fixed to the deck matting. The end result he finished up bungy jumping over the side inside his helicopter. Victor gave up , made his second helicopter a spare parts basket and flew on for several years as his own pilot mechanic. I think on a Taiwanese boat. Probably a Winfar boat. He finally gave up competing with Hansen's K mart prices and junkyard parts and retired to open a Pizza outlet in Guam. The Hansen story is well documented in WWW.Hansen-Helicopters.com.
with his helicopter st.
Last edited by rotorfish; 12th Aug 2022 at 05:58. Reason: forgot to delete last few words in editing/checking the post
I hope they don't blow this trial, and finally get to shut these people down.
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-n...-trial-resumes
- August 16, 2022, 11:46 PMThe day after the Hansen Helicopter trial resumed in Guam this week, a helicopter linked to the company crashed, killing the pilot and seriously injuring the two mechanics aboard. The MD 369HS, registration RP-C6911, crashed during a maintenance flight in Mabalacat, Pampanga in the Philippines Tuesday morning local time. Pilot Diosdado Lumanlan died, and mechanics Ivan Abiong and Rodley Esogen were seriously injured.
The helicopter was previously on the FAA registry and operated by an entity controlled by Hansen. The company established approximately 40 different helicopter ownership entities on the island nation tax haven of Vanuatu for its fleet of 46 aircraft, which the government labeled as “shell companies” that were part of a “fraud scheme.”
At the time of the crash, the accident helicopter was operated by Pacific Spotters, Inc., a fish-spotting company formed by senior executives of Guam-based Hansen after they and that company were investigated and ultimately indicted in 2018. Charges in the indictment consisted of multiple counts of money-laundering, fraud, bribery, and violation of a variety of FAA regulations including employing unlicensed pilot and mechanics, using unapproved parts, and operating unairworthy aircraft, including several assembled from parts and data plates from helicopters previously classified as destroyed. The government alleges that these practices potentially contributed to 30 helicopter accidents and nine deaths at Hansen since defendant John Walker purchased the company in 1998.
Federal prosecutors allege that Walker, acting as Hansen’s principal, and the company transferred N-registered helicopters and $5 million that Walker controlled to Pacific Spotters for the purpose of “continuing their criminal enterprise,” Marie Miller, special United States assistant attorney, alleged in Guam District Court Wednesday morning. “John Walker sold the helicopters from himself to himself to continue conducting his fraud,” she said. “He’s so bold to even still be using N-numbered helicopters even though he deregistered all of the helicopters with the FAA, claiming to the FAA, himself personally, that these helicopters were being deregistered because they were going to be exported to the Philippines and used in the Philippines. You can’t use U.S. registration numbers anymore once you do that,” Miller said, noting that as an FAA-licensed A&P mechanic with inspection authorization, Walker had to know better.
Miller revealed Tuesday’s crash while arguing a motion during the trial this morning. She said Walker and other Hansen defendants, who will be tried separately, traveled to the Philippines to manage Pacific Spotters while out on bail related to the original charges filed in Guam in 2018. Pacific Spotters’ website lists offices in both Guam and the Philippines.
The trial, which began in February, has been marked by lengthy recesses and frequent, acrimonious arguments, and objections by prosecutors and defense counsel.
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-n...-trial-resumes
Another Fatal Crash As Hansen Helo Trial Resumes
by Mark Huber- August 16, 2022, 11:46 PMThe day after the Hansen Helicopter trial resumed in Guam this week, a helicopter linked to the company crashed, killing the pilot and seriously injuring the two mechanics aboard. The MD 369HS, registration RP-C6911, crashed during a maintenance flight in Mabalacat, Pampanga in the Philippines Tuesday morning local time. Pilot Diosdado Lumanlan died, and mechanics Ivan Abiong and Rodley Esogen were seriously injured.
The helicopter was previously on the FAA registry and operated by an entity controlled by Hansen. The company established approximately 40 different helicopter ownership entities on the island nation tax haven of Vanuatu for its fleet of 46 aircraft, which the government labeled as “shell companies” that were part of a “fraud scheme.”
At the time of the crash, the accident helicopter was operated by Pacific Spotters, Inc., a fish-spotting company formed by senior executives of Guam-based Hansen after they and that company were investigated and ultimately indicted in 2018. Charges in the indictment consisted of multiple counts of money-laundering, fraud, bribery, and violation of a variety of FAA regulations including employing unlicensed pilot and mechanics, using unapproved parts, and operating unairworthy aircraft, including several assembled from parts and data plates from helicopters previously classified as destroyed. The government alleges that these practices potentially contributed to 30 helicopter accidents and nine deaths at Hansen since defendant John Walker purchased the company in 1998.
Federal prosecutors allege that Walker, acting as Hansen’s principal, and the company transferred N-registered helicopters and $5 million that Walker controlled to Pacific Spotters for the purpose of “continuing their criminal enterprise,” Marie Miller, special United States assistant attorney, alleged in Guam District Court Wednesday morning. “John Walker sold the helicopters from himself to himself to continue conducting his fraud,” she said. “He’s so bold to even still be using N-numbered helicopters even though he deregistered all of the helicopters with the FAA, claiming to the FAA, himself personally, that these helicopters were being deregistered because they were going to be exported to the Philippines and used in the Philippines. You can’t use U.S. registration numbers anymore once you do that,” Miller said, noting that as an FAA-licensed A&P mechanic with inspection authorization, Walker had to know better.
Miller revealed Tuesday’s crash while arguing a motion during the trial this morning. She said Walker and other Hansen defendants, who will be tried separately, traveled to the Philippines to manage Pacific Spotters while out on bail related to the original charges filed in Guam in 2018. Pacific Spotters’ website lists offices in both Guam and the Philippines.
The trial, which began in February, has been marked by lengthy recesses and frequent, acrimonious arguments, and objections by prosecutors and defense counsel.
https://www.kuam.com/story/47253272/...uding-the-feds
May the punishment fit the crime!
By Nick Delgado
A clean sweep - guilty on all counts.
Hansen Helicopter owner John Walker was found guilty in the District Court of Guam today. The jury returned with a verdict after deliberating for less than a week.
The company and Walker are now convicted of conspiracy to defraud the federal aviation administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, four counts of aircraft parts fraud, 75 counts of employing a mechanic without a mechanic certificate, two counts of employing a pilot without a pilot’s certificate, two counts of regulation violations involving a helicopter, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, five counts of wire fraud, and six counts of money laundering.
Hasen Helicopters was also on trial and the jury found the company guilty of circumventing U.S. Aviation Safety regulations to boost its profits.
Prosecutors say the fraudulent operations and the company’s quote – love of money – led to nine deaths and more than dozens injured.
Sentencing will be held before Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood.
May the punishment fit the crime!
Helicopter company and owner found guilty of defrauding the feds
Friday, September 9th 2022, 6:12 PM ChSTBy Nick Delgado
A clean sweep - guilty on all counts.Hansen Helicopter owner John Walker was found guilty in the District Court of Guam today. The jury returned with a verdict after deliberating for less than a week.
The company and Walker are now convicted of conspiracy to defraud the federal aviation administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, four counts of aircraft parts fraud, 75 counts of employing a mechanic without a mechanic certificate, two counts of employing a pilot without a pilot’s certificate, two counts of regulation violations involving a helicopter, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, five counts of wire fraud, and six counts of money laundering.
Hasen Helicopters was also on trial and the jury found the company guilty of circumventing U.S. Aviation Safety regulations to boost its profits.
Prosecutors say the fraudulent operations and the company’s quote – love of money – led to nine deaths and more than dozens injured.
Sentencing will be held before Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood.
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-n...lty-all-counts
- September 9, 2022, 5:59 AM
Sentencing is scheduled for December 8, and a motion will be heard on Monday as to whether to remand Walker into custody. He has been free on bail since being initially charged in May 2018 and potentially faces life in prison.
Additionally, the government is seeking forfeiture of all of Hansen’s and Walker’s assets related to what it charged is $400 million worth of fraud tied to the convictions.
Walker purchased Hansen, based in Harmon, Guam, in 1998 after working for the company as a pilot, mechanic, and director of operations. He then grew the company to a fleet of 48 helicopters. The company provided fish spotting helicopters, mainly vintage Hughes 369/OH-6A models, along with pilots and mechanics, to tuna boats in the Western Pacific on contracts that ran $40,000 per month per helicopter, with gross receipts of over $20 million annually.
Virtually all of the profits went to Walker, who used them in part to finance his pursuit of nationally-ranked, off-road racing and acquire a fleet of eclectic personal aircraft based in Missouri, where he lived on a 5,000-acre farm. His personal aircraft included an Extra 300L, Beechcraft D17S Staggerwing, Stemme S10-VT motorglider, Beechcraft E90 King Air, North American T-28B, Aviat A-1B, Highlander, Piper J3C-65, and Bell 47D1.
The trial of Hansen, tried as an entity, and Walker, tried as an individual, were severed from that of other senior Hansen executives and suppliers. Proceedings began in February with a trial that was expected to last just three weeks but instead languished on a stop-and-start basis for eight months.
Walker’s local attorney died before the trial. Defendant Marvin Reed, Hansen’s executive v-p, turned state’s evidence in exchange for immunity. Reed is seriously ill, as are defendants Phillip “Turner” Kapp, Hansen’s former director of maintenance, and Randall Rogers, who ran Vanguard Aviation in Valdosta, Georgia.
Rogers and his company are charged with a variety of offenses related to the assemblage of what federal prosecutors called “Frankenstein helicopters”—aircraft for Hansen that were previously classified as destroyed and later rebuilt via data-plate swapping and other illegal means. Rogers recently entered hospice care.
Charges against another defendant, Frank F. Litkei Sr., were dismissed in 2021 after he died. Litkei’s company, Spares Inc., a machine shop based in Oregon, provided Hansen, at its direction, with unapproved tail rotor pitch change link assemblies that were tied to several crashes. Last week, during a status hearing, the court was attempting to discover if Spares Inc. remained a going concern.
The sentencing of former FAA aircraft inspector Timothy Cislo is expected later this year. Cislo pleaded guilty to three counts of honest services fraud in 2018 related to receiving bribes from Hansen. While he could face up to 20 years imprisonment and $750,000 in fines, he is expected to receive leniency in exchange for his testimony.
During the trial, Cislo testified that he received “money and hookers,” as well as a vintage Taylorcraft airplane, from the company in exchange for falsifying airworthiness certificates for its helicopters. In subsequent testimony, former NTSB accident investigator Jeff Guzzetti said he believed that most of Hansen’s fleet was “not airworthy.”
Attorneys for Hansen and Walker opted not to put on a defense, but rather to punch holes in the prosecution’s evidence. But there was simply too much evidence, including volumes of highly incriminating e-mails between Hansen executives detailing Cislo's bribery and referring to FAA inspectors as "donkeys."
In her closing argument to the jury, lead prosecutor Marie Miller said, “This case is about one thing. It’s about greed. It’s about people who put profit over other people. It’s about people who violated the law repeatedly, knowingly, intentionally. And without any regret.”
Hansen Helicopters, CEO Walker Guilty on All Counts
by Mark Huber- September 9, 2022, 5:59 AM
Crashed Hansen helicopter on tuna boat deck (Photo: U.S. Attorney's office).
On Friday afternoon local time, a Guam federal district court jury found Hansen Helicopters and its CEO, John D. “Jon” Walker, guilty on all remaining 110 charged counts related to conspiracy; defrauding the FAA and the NTSB; bribery; aircraft parts fraud, causing serious bodily injury and death; falsification of aircraft registration; employing unlicensed mechanics and pilots; wire fraud; and money laundering.Sentencing is scheduled for December 8, and a motion will be heard on Monday as to whether to remand Walker into custody. He has been free on bail since being initially charged in May 2018 and potentially faces life in prison.
Additionally, the government is seeking forfeiture of all of Hansen’s and Walker’s assets related to what it charged is $400 million worth of fraud tied to the convictions.
Walker purchased Hansen, based in Harmon, Guam, in 1998 after working for the company as a pilot, mechanic, and director of operations. He then grew the company to a fleet of 48 helicopters. The company provided fish spotting helicopters, mainly vintage Hughes 369/OH-6A models, along with pilots and mechanics, to tuna boats in the Western Pacific on contracts that ran $40,000 per month per helicopter, with gross receipts of over $20 million annually.
Virtually all of the profits went to Walker, who used them in part to finance his pursuit of nationally-ranked, off-road racing and acquire a fleet of eclectic personal aircraft based in Missouri, where he lived on a 5,000-acre farm. His personal aircraft included an Extra 300L, Beechcraft D17S Staggerwing, Stemme S10-VT motorglider, Beechcraft E90 King Air, North American T-28B, Aviat A-1B, Highlander, Piper J3C-65, and Bell 47D1.
The trial of Hansen, tried as an entity, and Walker, tried as an individual, were severed from that of other senior Hansen executives and suppliers. Proceedings began in February with a trial that was expected to last just three weeks but instead languished on a stop-and-start basis for eight months.
Walker’s local attorney died before the trial. Defendant Marvin Reed, Hansen’s executive v-p, turned state’s evidence in exchange for immunity. Reed is seriously ill, as are defendants Phillip “Turner” Kapp, Hansen’s former director of maintenance, and Randall Rogers, who ran Vanguard Aviation in Valdosta, Georgia.
Rogers and his company are charged with a variety of offenses related to the assemblage of what federal prosecutors called “Frankenstein helicopters”—aircraft for Hansen that were previously classified as destroyed and later rebuilt via data-plate swapping and other illegal means. Rogers recently entered hospice care.
Charges against another defendant, Frank F. Litkei Sr., were dismissed in 2021 after he died. Litkei’s company, Spares Inc., a machine shop based in Oregon, provided Hansen, at its direction, with unapproved tail rotor pitch change link assemblies that were tied to several crashes. Last week, during a status hearing, the court was attempting to discover if Spares Inc. remained a going concern.
The sentencing of former FAA aircraft inspector Timothy Cislo is expected later this year. Cislo pleaded guilty to three counts of honest services fraud in 2018 related to receiving bribes from Hansen. While he could face up to 20 years imprisonment and $750,000 in fines, he is expected to receive leniency in exchange for his testimony.
During the trial, Cislo testified that he received “money and hookers,” as well as a vintage Taylorcraft airplane, from the company in exchange for falsifying airworthiness certificates for its helicopters. In subsequent testimony, former NTSB accident investigator Jeff Guzzetti said he believed that most of Hansen’s fleet was “not airworthy.”
Attorneys for Hansen and Walker opted not to put on a defense, but rather to punch holes in the prosecution’s evidence. But there was simply too much evidence, including volumes of highly incriminating e-mails between Hansen executives detailing Cislo's bribery and referring to FAA inspectors as "donkeys."
In her closing argument to the jury, lead prosecutor Marie Miller said, “This case is about one thing. It’s about greed. It’s about people who put profit over other people. It’s about people who violated the law repeatedly, knowingly, intentionally. And without any regret.”
https://www.postguam.com/news/hansen...a5a2c5266.html
GUILTY: John Walker was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals following his conviction on fraud-related charges. Walker walks into the United States District Court of Guam prior to the reading of his verdict Sept. 9, 2022 in Hagåtña. Norman M. Taruc/The Guam Daily Post
Hansen Helicopters president and owner John Walker was ordered to be taken into custody as he waits to be sentenced for defrauding the federal government.
After Walker was found guilty of nearly 100 fraud-related charges last week, prosecutors asked Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood that he be confined on Monday.
For the past four years since Walker and several Hansen Helicopter executives were indicted on the fraud charges, Walker was out on release.
Before Tydingco-Gatewood decided Walker would be immediately remanded, Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie Miller argued Walker had been continuing his fraudulent operations of Hansen Helicopters.
Miller in particular cited a helicopter crash that occurred in the Philippines last month.
"We saw that on Aug.16 there was yet another accident and another death and we know that particular aircraft belonged to Mr. Walker," said Miller.
According to Post files, Walker was accused of knowingly using uncertified and previously destroyed helicopters as part of Hansen's operations to defraud the federal government.
Court documents state nine people died as a result of Hansen Helicopter crashes.
Miller further argued because Walker has now been convicted on the charges it would give him more of a reason to be a flight risk.
Reply
Walker's attorney Mack Martin opposed his client's confinement, arguing there was no evidence Walker was responsible for the crash, an argument he previously used when he asked the court for a mistrial.
"There was an accident that occurred on Aug. 16, 2022. No one, not Ms. Miller, no one knows what caused that accident. The government has jumped to the conclusion that Mr. Walker is somehow responsible for that and that's the position they've taken all along," Martin said.
In addition, Martin said since the prosecution used not only the crash but other improperly submitted evidence at trial, Walker's conviction could be reversed and added it as a reason he should remain released.
"Those are substantial issues that I submit the (9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals) will look very seriously at and if they decide those are the issues that should be decided in this case in favor of Mr. Walker, it will result a reversal and a new trial," said Martin who also highlighted Walker's good behavior on pre-trial release for the past four years.
After taking several hours on Monday to consider the issue, Tydingco-Gatewood came back in the afternoon to decide Walker be remanded immediately.
Walker will be confined until his sentencing on Dec. 8.
Walker is facing life imprisonment for the charges.
Hansen owner, president confined
- Shane Tenorio Healy | The Guam Daily Post
- 23 hrs ago
GUILTY: John Walker was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals following his conviction on fraud-related charges. Walker walks into the United States District Court of Guam prior to the reading of his verdict Sept. 9, 2022 in Hagåtña. Norman M. Taruc/The Guam Daily PostHansen Helicopters president and owner John Walker was ordered to be taken into custody as he waits to be sentenced for defrauding the federal government.
After Walker was found guilty of nearly 100 fraud-related charges last week, prosecutors asked Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood that he be confined on Monday.
For the past four years since Walker and several Hansen Helicopter executives were indicted on the fraud charges, Walker was out on release.
Before Tydingco-Gatewood decided Walker would be immediately remanded, Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie Miller argued Walker had been continuing his fraudulent operations of Hansen Helicopters.
Miller in particular cited a helicopter crash that occurred in the Philippines last month.
"We saw that on Aug.16 there was yet another accident and another death and we know that particular aircraft belonged to Mr. Walker," said Miller.
According to Post files, Walker was accused of knowingly using uncertified and previously destroyed helicopters as part of Hansen's operations to defraud the federal government.
Court documents state nine people died as a result of Hansen Helicopter crashes.
Miller further argued because Walker has now been convicted on the charges it would give him more of a reason to be a flight risk.
Reply
Walker's attorney Mack Martin opposed his client's confinement, arguing there was no evidence Walker was responsible for the crash, an argument he previously used when he asked the court for a mistrial.
"There was an accident that occurred on Aug. 16, 2022. No one, not Ms. Miller, no one knows what caused that accident. The government has jumped to the conclusion that Mr. Walker is somehow responsible for that and that's the position they've taken all along," Martin said.
In addition, Martin said since the prosecution used not only the crash but other improperly submitted evidence at trial, Walker's conviction could be reversed and added it as a reason he should remain released.
"Those are substantial issues that I submit the (9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals) will look very seriously at and if they decide those are the issues that should be decided in this case in favor of Mr. Walker, it will result a reversal and a new trial," said Martin who also highlighted Walker's good behavior on pre-trial release for the past four years.
After taking several hours on Monday to consider the issue, Tydingco-Gatewood came back in the afternoon to decide Walker be remanded immediately.
Walker will be confined until his sentencing on Dec. 8.
Walker is facing life imprisonment for the charges.