Pilot Kelly received his certificate of competency in the Lear Jet from an FAA inspector on September 2, 1965. Since The Flying Tlger Llne Inc., (FTL) owned the aircraft and leased it to the Paul Kelly Flying Service, Inc., the chief pilot of FTL certified Paul Kelly as captain on Lear Jets for day, night, and instruments. The day before the accident Pilot Kelly made an extended cross-country flight, and retired at approximately midnight. He reported for work at 0730 on November 14.
Dav1d K. Faulkner, copilot, was 27 years of age. He held private pilot certificate No. 1636723, w1th an airplane single engine land rating. He was not instrument rated. He had accumulated about 160 flying hours of which approx1mately 24 hours were 1n the Lear Jet. He did not have a certificate of competency in the Lear Jet. His FAA first-class medical certificate was issued December 12, 1964, w1thout limitations. This certificate was still valid as a second-class certificate at the time of the acc1dent.
l 6 Aircraft Information
N243F, a Lear Jet Model 23, serial No 23-063 was purchased by FTL on October 29, 1965, and at the time of the acc1dent had accumulated approxi- mately 43 flying hours. It was configured to accommodate six passengers and two crewmembers The aircraft was serviced by FTL and leased to the Paul Kelly Flying Serv1ce, Inc. All periodic maintenance was accomplished by Lear Jet Corporation. Maintenance records indicated the aircraft had been maintained in accordance with FAA requirements. It was scheduled for a modification to the windshield defogging system on November 16, 1965.
