Healthy Pilot Found Guilty of Deceiving Social Security Administration for Benefits

Office of Inspector General

Title:	Healthy Pilot Found Guilty of Deceiving Social Security Administration for Benefits
Date:	March 24, 2003
Type:	Investigation
Summary:	David F. Slaven, Auburn, CA, was found guilty by a U.S. District Court jury in Sacramento, CA, for failing to inform the Social Security Administration that he held a current FAA Airman Medical Certificate while he was receiving benefits for a chronic illness. The Social Security Administration paid Slavens more than $190,000 from 1988 to 2002 based on his claims that he was suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as Epstein Barr Syndrome, and could not work. Witnesses reported they saw Slaven repairing and flying his plane and making repairs to an apartment building during the benefit period. FAA has revoked Slaven's pilot’s license, mechanic’s license, and license giving him authority to inspect aircraft. Sentencing has not been scheduled.