A Palmer man has been sentenced for operating an aircraft without the necessary legal requirements, according to U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. William Marsan, 57, received three years of probation and must pay a $10,000 fine for operating an unregistered aircraft and flying without a valid license.
Court documents reveal that Marsan previously held an Airman Certificate as an Airline Transport Pilot from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for approximately 30 years. Operating from Palmer, Alaska, his aviation business provided transport across the state using a Piper Cherokee aircraft.
The case arose from a June 2023 incident where Marsan attempted to take off from Warren “Bud” Woods Palmer Municipal Airport without radioing his intentions. This action nearly resulted in a mid-air collision with another aircraft.
Following an investigation by law enforcement, it was found that Marsan had knowingly allowed his aircraft registration to lapse in June 2022. He also neglected to maintain his mandatory medical certification in 2020 and 2021, leading to the revocation of his pilot's license in January 2024. Despite this, Marsan continued flying until his arrest in July 2024.
Marsan faced multiple legal challenges, having missed several court appearances before his rearrest in September 2024. He was convicted on December 4, 2024, for flying without a license and using an unregistered aircraft.
“Alaska’s aviation industry is a vital part of our infrastructure, safely connecting people and goods across the state. Mr. Marsan’s actions—operating an unregistered aircraft without a license and nearly causing a mid-air collision—put lives at risk,” stated U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman. “To prevent further violations and protect communities, Mr. Marsan will serve a significant term of probation under the relevant statutes and pay a fine for the money he made at the risk of others.”
Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office added, "Marsan's flagrant disregard for aviation regulations put countless lives at risk and undermined the integrity of Alaska's airspace. Such reckless, criminal behavior will not be tolerated by the FBI and aviation authorities."
The FBI Anchorage Field Office and the FAA, Alaska Region, conducted the investigation. The prosecution was managed by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tom Bradley and Mac Caille Petursson.