21.01.2026 23:55
The movie "Catch Me If You Can," starring Leonardo DiCaprio, became a reality. A former flight attendant born in Toronto, who defrauded airlines in the U.S., posed as a pilot and obtained free flight tickets from American-based airlines for four years. It remains unclear whether the man's request to be in the cockpit was fulfilled.
In the United States, it has been revealed that a former flight attendant, who used a fake staff ID to pose as a pilot, flew for free hundreds of times over four years. The investigation conducted by federal prosecutors highlighted that the incident posed serious risks to aviation safety.
TRAVELED AS A PILOT WITH A FAKE ID
Dallas Pokornik, a 33-year-old who worked as a flight attendant for a Canadian airline from 2017 to 2019, accessed tickets as a pilot or cabin crew member using a fake staff ID even after his tenure. It was determined that he traveled for free on hundreds of flights using this method.
REQUESTED COCKPIT SEAT
According to investigation records, Pokornik requested the cockpit seat known as the "jump seat," which is used by pilots, despite not having any pilot license. The federal prosecution stated that this was part of the fake ID scheme, but it was not confirmed whether these requests were accepted.
ARRESTED IN PANAMA, EXTRADITED
After local prosecutors filed charges of fraud and forgery in October 2025, Pokornik was arrested in Panama and extradited to the United States. The suspect pleaded "not guilty" in federal court in Hawaii.
FACING JAIL TIME AND FINES
The court decided that Pokornik would be held in custody. The prosecution indicated that if the suspect is found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in prison or fines of up to $250,000. Aviation experts emphasized that the case could set a precedent for the industry.