[Dan Hammond]

A "COWBOY" unlicensed pilot who flew his unregistered ultralight aircraft to a busy airport without landing clearance in order to catch a commercial flight has been fined $17,500.
Kenneth William Acton, 52, pleaded guilty in Cairns Magistrates Court to multiple counts of flying unlicensed and unregistered over a three month period in 2007.

The majority of the offences were at isolated locations, generally landing at private properties across far north and northwest Queensland.

The court heard the most serious offence occurred on July 3, 2007, when Acton used a public road at Gordonvale, south of Cairns, to fly to Cairns Airport where he was due to depart on a commercial flight.

The Charters Towers man landed at the airport without approval, in the process delaying one aircraft about to take off and another preparing to land.

Magistrate Joe Pinder said while there was no evidence of any flaws in Acton's flying skills, his actions had put other aircraft and the public at risk.

"You are nothing short of a cowboy," he said.

He fined Acton $17,500 to be paid within 12 months.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574...-29277,00.html