SEATTLE -- Eleven pilots who violated airspace restrictions around Mount St. Helens and one pilot who made an illegal landing at ash-covered Yakima Airport May 18 have had their licenses suspended by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Ken Shake, a spokesman for the FAA regional office, said another 17 incidents related to flying activity involving the volcano were being investigated. He said one involved a helicopter pilot under contract to a Seattle television station.
He said the suspensions were for violations that occurred between March 27, when the volcano first erupted, and Nov. 1, when airspace restrictions around the southwest Washington mountain were lifted. He said more than 50 alleged violations were investigated by FAA inspectors.
