Investigations

On June 12, 2012, Jonathon Vondracek, a commercial pilot and certified flight Instructor, pled guilty in U.S. District Court, Tampa, Florida, for falsifying his Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airman medical application.  The investigation revealed that previously, the Veteran's Administration (VA) awarded Vondracek, a Navy veteran, 80 percent medical disability benefits for a series of service related medical conditions that included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  Mr. Vondracek failed to disclose these medical conditions along with receipt of disability benefits on three FAA airman medical certificate applications.  The investigation further determined that Mr. Vondracek did not actually suffer COPD, and as part of his plea agreement, he will make restitution to the VA in an amount not to exceed $51,237 for the COPD disability benefits he received.  This investigation is being worked jointly with the Department of Veteran Affairs, Office of Inspector General.