FARGO (KFGO) – A longtime Fargo pilot and flight instructor says he’s preparing for a possible court battle to get his license back.
Victor Gelking says federal regulators revoked his pilot and flight instructor licenses after he was involved in a moving violation at the airport. Gelking says the FAA is on a “power trip” and believes that he may be the victim of age discrimination.
“I think that’s one of the problems. I’m 91 years old” Gelking said. “They’re just being ridiculous. I may take them to court. I haven’t decided yet.”
Gelking says he’s accused of crossing a closed runway without permission from the control tower at Hector International Airport. The FAA isn’t commenting, but the agency’s website indicates that Gelking’s license expired on May 31.
Gelking says he passed his medical exams and says his age is not relevant to his license status. “I’ve got $200,000 to $300,000 invested in all my ratings the last 70 years” Gelking said. Gelking is a World War II era veteran. He earned his pilot license in 1945.
A sale is pending on Gelking’s longtime business “Vic’s Aircraft Sales,” located on airport property on 19th Ave. North. The building was heavily damaged by fire in February.