Helicopter misadventure: Italian businessman fined on mountain slope
A businessman from Lombardy decided to use a few hours of free time to go skiing. So he put on a ski suit, grabbed his skis, and took control of his private helicopter. What he did next left everyone astonished.
What do you need to know?
- Businessman from Lombardy flew his helicopter to a ski slope in the Dolomites, which was noticed by patrolling Carabinieri.
- The man did not have a permit to land at an altitude above 5,250 feet, which resulted in a fine.
- The fine was 2,000 euros ($2,272), and after it was imposed, the businessman flew home.
Why did the Lombardy businessman choose a helicopter?
Italian media reported on Saturday about an extraordinary event that took place on one of the ski slopes in the Dolomites in Trentino, Italy. The Carabinieri patrolling near the summit of Groste could not believe their eyes when they saw a helicopter landing right by the ski trail.
The man who exited was already in a ski suit, and after attaching his skis, he began skiing as if nothing unusual had occurred.
He really wanted to ski but had a lot of work
The guards stopped him on the slope, checked his identification, and demanded the required document authorizing landing by helicopter at an altitude above 5,250 feet. The 60-year-old businessman from Lombardy admitted that he did not have such a permit.
He then explained that despite his heavy workload at the company, he really wanted to go skiing and decided to fly his helicopter to save travel time. He also presented his pilot's license and proof of insurance.
The ski trip turned out to be very costly
For the unauthorized flight, the Carabinieri fined him 2,000 euros ($2,272). The businessman apparently lost his appetite for skiing. He took off his skis and flew home.
