And his Mother needs to be in the cell next door.

Paul, you hit the nail squarely on the head.

If his parents haven't taught him the difference between right and wrong by now, then let the penal system do it. As for the victims comment that "he's just a kid", that ended long ago, and after five (or more) thefts, young Colton is now a career criminal and almost certainly, a soon to be convicted felon.

It's time for him to pay the piper!!

What about the fact that the worlds most expensive police state (US) couldnt catch him after searching for over a year. Then, a couple of local cops in the Bahamas catch him in two days!!??

Paul I agree. If you haven't figured out at nineteen that stealing airplanes, putting lives at risk, and running from law enforcement isn't okay, you need a timeout. For a few years.

I hope that by the time he gets out the kid gets it figured out.

He will certainly go to jail. Does anyone think that will fix him? A brief net search reveals a broken home and instability throughout his life. More likely he will forge into a super-criminal while he is in jail. Does anyone on this thread think that US jails have a track record of rehabilitation? What could fix a seemingly creative and intelligent youth led astray?

OK. Then do like judges in the 60s used to: Jail or a four-year military tour. Two wars, now. No waiting.

OK. Then do like judges in the 60s used to: Jail or a four-year military tour. Two wars, now. No waiting.

Perfect. Gives him structure, discipline, sense of self worth, a challenge, and a chance to pay back the community. Is that an option for Judges these days?

Wow, another AvWeb blog that is only superficially related to aviation.

No flight plan? No departure eAPIS? No intercept? No way!!

Here we have a kid in a stolen plane who crossed the ADIZ without being picked up by radar and intercepted. I thought that particular stretch is covered by AWACS planes that can detect anything bigger than a Canadian mosquito!

You know, I feel bad for the kid. It sounds like his home life really sucked, but he is an adult now and it's time to face the music.

I'd think 10 years would be reasonable.

I say bring back public floggings! Then give this kid a job hacking into evil.com or something. Before he starts his own crime empire.

Jail time or 4 year military tour (me adding "starting with boot camp Parris Island style") seems a good choice to be made. :o)

You use the word "misguided" if this kid was encouraged to play NBA basketball when he grew up. You don't use the word "misguided" for a repeat felon who proudly posts his misdeeds on Facebook.

I think the option for military service isn't a formal one, but it does seem to be used a lot (I guess through informal agreements between prosecutor, judge and defence) - see Sebastian Junger's book 'War', which discusses how some of the soldiers be was embedded with came to be in the service.

I would think that a strong case for 'reckless endangerment' (or whatever: I got the phrase from watching Law & Order) could be made. The guy has no idea how to safely operate an aircraft and could easily have caused multiple casualties on the ground or in the air.

I believe that (in this particular case, though not for crime in general) the outcome should act as a strong deterrent for anyone to copy this sort of crime spree. Meaning: an exemplary sentence.

The US military will not consider someone like Harris-Moore, Jiri. That went out with the Vietnam draft. Cari -there's a lot of stuff in Junger's book where the guys were pulling his leg, and he couldn't tell. It's a decent book, though. And the military is a good option for a young man (or woman) who needs to get a derailed life back on track -- within limits.

As far as the punk's father is concerned, like many of the denizens of our correctional institutions: what father? Apparently Dad's whole contribution was one little wriggler, and Mom has spent the next 20 years indulging her widdle cwime wave. Paul, comparison with your youth (or mine) doesn't work for this reason. Like most folks from intact families, I wasn't afraid about anything officialdom might do to me, but what would be waiting for me at home once they finished. This kid's mother is a bigger failure to grow up than he is.

Young Colton is a narcissistic sociopath who is reveling in his fame. He needs to go to jail long enough to be utterly forgotten.

Across the country and the world, "kids" his age are going to work, turning in college homework, serving in the forces or helping out their families. And others are just grabbing anything some property owner hasn't nailed down, because their lives were harrrrd, and they are each a unique and special snowflake.

He wants to be a unique and special snowflake, fine. To the cooler with him.

John Hogan - Right on. In Canada flogging( I think it was called the lash) was a way of punishment for certain crimes away back when I was very young(now 81). The idea of flogging sure figured into how I behaved. May be time to bring back the lash for these types of crime.

Mr. Harris-Moore is a repeat-offender felon with a very troubling disregard for the law and for public safety. Why anyone would even consider coddling this jerk is beyond me. He should go to jail for a long time. His mother is also a piece of work, and one can easily see where her son may have learned his distorted values. Hopefully they will make an example out of the kid to discourage others from similar stupidity and ruining their lives!

Many years ago I read a long piece by a prominent psychologist or psychiatrist that his theory and observation were such that if a child has not been taught right from wrong and a sense of guilt, forcefully if necessary, by the age of 6 or 7 that most likely they would never develop a conscience. It became popular in the 60s and 70s to never do any thing to make John or Jill feel guilty about anything. The author of the article had observed that the jails and prisons were full of adults that had never been taught the sense of guilt before age 6. My own observations, while very limited, bear out this concept. The barefoot bomber probably has no remorse or sense of guilt and no amount of prison time will cure this. This is why the rehabilitation percentages are so low.

If this guy doesn't pay the eAPIS penalty, then the whole Customs/Border system is a joke. There is no more clear-cut definition of not filing than this.

When are we going to see the report of his flight path and subsequent investigation on how this was permitted to go so far? How many radar scopes he crossed and how he had no squawk code and made it to one of the distant out-islands and nobody radioed him or even sent a chopper in his direction?

One more vote for flogging! Have the long father - son talk, then cane him to death and hang his body from the windsock pole.

It sickens me that this kid has become a folk hero. He is not a "Robin Hood" where one could say that his acts were in any way socially redeemable. Someone on this board objected that this thread is only superficially related to aviation. It has everything to do with aviation; it has put the whole question of general aviation security right in the public's face and has probably caused our already shrinking insurance market to question whether they need this kind of risk. My parents' generation questioned my generation's values after being exposed to the effects of rock n roll, etc. How about this kid's generation growing up with video games such as Grand Theft Auto! We used to put stickers on our aircraft warning that tampering with an aircraft was a federal offense. I hope that the feds will make an example of this kid.

The unfortunate fact is that it may be too late for this miscreant. The military does not want smart-ass troublemakers who are only concerned about their own whims at the expense of everyone else. (Quite frankly, neither do most employers who might provide this guy with a living at some point in the future.)

Regardless of the insurance status or the wealth of the owners of those aircraft, what this idiot did was dangerous and stupid.

Sometimes you can't help stupid, but you can sure punish people who commit dangerous acts. How would his "followers" feel if he had lost control of his aircraft and crashed in the middle of come college dormitory or elementary school?

This guy belongs in the slammer for the appropriate period of time. We can only hope that he will learn his lesson and become a useful, contributing citizen, but don't bank on it.

I agree with those who point to the failure of the systems put in place to control our southern borders. What is this thing if not an aeronautical Maginot Line? Just as in 2001, the system, if it can be called one with a straight face, is revealed to be worth far less than the billions we have pumped into it, and the emperor is naked as a jay bird. While I agree the barefoot boy should come out of the Federal slammer a very old man, his cell mates should be the civilian and military bureaucrats whose failures were so complete as to deny the existence of the agencies they head.

Way to go Rick! I'd like to add to your comments that this so called system also reduced our freedom, is unnecessarily inconvenient, and puts ordinary law abiding citizens in the position of being terrorists until proven innocent. Unfortunately the military-industrial machine that profits from this system will find a way to spin the info to the masses.

Anyone wanna bet that more than half of Colton's supporters and fans own Che Guevarra t-shirts? Anyone?

It's truly sad to see someone who's so young and intelligent end up like this. It's sad that he had a rough childhood and never learned better. It's sad that he's most likely thrown away his entire future as a result. Yet that is no excuse whatsoever. Yes, I hope that he turns his life completely around and becomes a productive, honest, contributing member of society. I hope that he uses his intelligence to find some way to make the world a better place.

... after he serves a long jail sentence and makes restitution for his many crimes, that is.

All this chatter about jail, flogging, rehabilitation for the perp, but -- hey, this is Avweb, remember? Colton has created (or disclosed) a horrendous issue for the aviation community. Would it not make sense to apply Avweb's group-think power to making recommendations for DHS, for FAA, for DOD?

Colton needs a good spanking followed by hard labor to provide restitution for the property he destroyed. If the military can provide these outcomes along with upside for him to develop into an adult, then great.

"Colton has created (or disclosed) a horrendous issue for the aviation community. Would it not make sense to apply Avweb's group-think power to making recommendations for DHS, for FAA, for DOD?"

Government helping GA security? You must be joking.

I called 1-800-GA-SECURE once about a sheriff deputy (!) who made numerous, specific threats to shoot down aircraft at our local airport. He did this during a recorded, public meeting, even after many prompts to "clarify" that he really didn't mean he would literally shoot at an aircraft. So... I called 1-800-GA-SECURE.

The number didn't work! It kept transferring to a dead extension. I called the TSA... "not our problem, call the FAA!" The local FSDO said that it was an FBI issue and gave me their number. 2 FBI agents took my statement (twice) and sounded extremely concerned. 2 or 3 days later, a couple of sheriff deputies called, saying the FBI asked them to investigate. Did I mention that the reportee was a sheriff's deputy? These officers made an unusually big show about how they'd be fair even though he was also a deputy, even after I politely assured them I hadn't assumed otherwise.

In the end, neither I nor airport management ever heard anything further, and no action was taken. So when I hear the feds talk about "aviation security", pardon me for retching.

I believe that TSA agents have physically damaged far more aircraft than criminals have since 2001!

Another argument requiring people being licensed for have children. Regarding the conscience issue, read Stanton Samenows book, " Before it's too late "

Not everyone who had a rough childhood grows up to be a criminal...

Still, I have to hand it to the kid! Resourceful, tough, committed, etc. Who on the list could begin to consider--at 16--being on the run for 2 years? Regardless of why he did it. It still is an accomplishment. Just not one to be proud of... I bet he's smart enough to come out ahead in the long run. Only time will tell.....

I was going to make a comment about the mag switch but changed my mind. It is something that probably should not be discussed openly.

When someone finally buys the movie rights to Colton's story, and you know they will, I hope a judge makes it all go to restitution.

Only in America..

Only in America..

With his new found "fame",he will probably be "doing time" in a white collar prison right next to Lindsay Lohan. Send him to Arizona's tent city. he can wear pink, eat bologna, and work the chain gang (hopefully right at the approach end of a runway) :)

When I was 19 I was a definition of the word "callow". I heard a true story the other day of a New Zealand pilot flying a Corsair in the WW2 Pacific theatre. Some Australian soldiers on a ridge in Bougainville had a pair of Japanese tanks advancing up the hill towards them, firing as they went, so they naturally called for help. The Kiwi duly arrived but soon realised his .50 bullets were merely ricocheting off the tanks' front, so with a great deal of care he attacked them from the rear, firing towards the Aussies. In a couple of bursts he set both tanks on fire, for which he was Mentioned in Despatches.

When he got back to base he celebrated his 19th birthday.

No lesson here, just an observation that they grew up quickly 65-70 years ago.

The fact that the kid got away with what he did here, proves that we ARE NOT a police state at all, and in fact enjoy more freedoms than most of this globe's population. If this were a police state, then the guy who called it one would disappear. Misguided, my butt. the kid knew right from wrong and was proud of making bad choices right up til the handcuffs went on. prison won't teach him anything he hasn't already learned: a life of crime. People grow up in worse environments and come out better, and vice versa. It comes down to choices, and he made bad ones. Now my insurance goes up, my access to the airport gets harder, and GA looks bad. I say execute him. Stop the gene pool from multiplying...

Lou, you make valid points and I agree with your side of the coin. My consternation comes from the fact that policy makers punish all of us for Colton or terrorists. We are no safer but certainly less free. I agree we don't meet the definition of a police state but we seem to be moving closer every year. Hopefully there are enought responsible folks left to stem the tide of growing bureaucracy.

I'm looking to buy a kite because thats all I can afford to fly these days. Is anyone interested in being a partner? ;-)

To all of you who suggested that the military is an option, you are wrong. You don't dump felons on the military. FYI, the military does not and will not knowingly accept felons. Yes, Moore is a felon. Also, please understand this. Jail or prison time is a punishment for the crime /s committed. It has nothing to do with rehabilitation. Moore is a criminal and will always be one. Incarceration time is what Moore needs. As for the Miller brothers. You don't cuddle felons no matter what his age is.

With his new found "fame",he will probably be "doing time" in a white collar prison right next to Lindsay Lohan. Send him to Arizona's tent city. he can wear pink, eat bologna, and work the chain gang (hopefully right at the approach end of a runway) :)

Michael, I would add one more thing: To be someones, how do put this politely, "prison wife".

“The value of compassion cannot be over-emphasized. Anyone can criticize. It takes a true believer to be compassionate. No greater burden can be borne by an individual than to know no one cares or understands.” Arthur H. Stainback quote.

Brad Vaught: [P]policy makers punish all of us for Colton or terrorists. "

Amen. We, I think, are easier to reach and more within the politicians' and bureaucrats' span of control. We are the nails when their only tool is a hammer on the end of their short, stubby arms.

Another example of this is the new FAA reauthorization law... including a bunch of surprises they're keeping secret (cash for somebody who paid off a politician, no doubt) and the brilliant 1,500 hour FO requirement generated by an accident caused largely by deficient airmanship of a captain with >1,500 hours. Because hours are an imperfect measure of experience, and a completely irrelevant measure of skill, but they're what the politicians can reach and grasp.

Don't mean to change the subject, but had to point out that the Colgan Air captain had enough hours for Congressional approval, but had busted five checkrides in his short career. One of the pilots of the 135 that killed Senator Wellstone had a similar record of incompetence (the other simply created his hours on a paper logbook, while doing time in the federal pen). But hey, they had "1500 hours." Here, sign for the airplane!

Who said put him in the military? That's just what our troops need - more troublemakers. It's tough enough to carry out the mission without dealing with someone who will likely shirk his duties, require constant supervision and endanger his fellow servicemen.

RDF; USN (Ret.)

Paul, I agree with your original thoughts about parents. Growing up, they made their thoughts about right and wrong clear to all five of us and the fact we were responsible for our actions. If we made a mistake (and what kid doesn't do 'something' wrong?) we were concerned about what the school might do, but we also knew if we were guilty the real punishment would occur at home. I for one am greatful for the experience. Yes, this young man has given us a moment to wonder what happened with local security. It is another lesson to keep in mind. That said, although I object to what the taxpayers are going to pay for his defense, he should get his day in court, be convicted, go to prison - then be treated like any other convict. No follow-up stories, no blogs - nothing. Don't make him a folk hero (he isn't) and don't give him any of the attention he seems to crave. Finally, I also agree the judge should make it clear any money he is offered for a movie or book deal will be used to repay the damages. He will not be allowed to profit from these criminal acts.

I have seen pilots with 800 hours transition directly from flight engineer, or military helicopters, or light general aviation to first officer on four engine heavy jets and do a very credible job, after a rational period (more than the minimum) of operating experience.

I have also seen former USAFR KC-135 Stan-Eval Pilots with 5,000 hours have a consistent record of poor performance in training and operations that eventually leads to their being terminated.

Certainly, it often goes the other way as well, but the difference between success and failure is almost always a positive attitude. Maintaining that positive attitude must be tough at the typical regional where the pilot encounters difficult working conditions, low initial pay and expensive domiciles. However, a positive attitude toward your profession, is certainly near the top of the scale of personal safety enhancements.

The 1500 hour requirement is another Congressional knee-jerk band-aid that will create a business model that will provide the cheapest 1500 hours possible. A "know it all" Congress added this provision as a “do something” response to pressure from those who don't understand the unintended consequences of their demands.

One major problem at a regional is that when contracts double or triple the size of the operator over a short period of time, training and qualification often becomes quantity over quality with a structured training program that is not very comprehensive.

The 1500 hour requirement to fly the right seat is a bad requirement.

We can hope for more helpful, specific increased training requirements out of the FAA/NTSB.

The Colgan 3407 accident comes back to a lack of airspeed monitoring that is associated evidently with the Captain’s lack of (hand flying) instrument skills. Regardless of the number of hours flown; those instrument hand flying skills aren’t going to improve if the carrier emphasizes the use of the autopilot to fly almost all instrument approaches to the point that the pilot is almost forced to become "autopilot dependent".

Is this a failure of the operator to properly select, train and supervise their pilots? Maybe, but it is also the failure of a “minimum cost” approach to training. How is it that pilots do not understand the difference between an “approach to a stall” and an actual stall?

In any case, the 1500 hour requirement will create negative consequences.

A 1500 hour pilot who has only flown aircraft that with or without advanced autopilots, in a benign environment, who has an entitlement attitude and who does not hand fly approaches, is obviously not as "experienced" as a pilot who hand flies a less advanced aircraft in a very difficult operational environment for 1,000 hours.

If the pilot who flew in a difficult operational environment to achieve his 1,000 hour milestone, also has a positive attitude, which one would you hire (if you could) to fly your mother from A to B?

I feel bad for the kid too. His home life really was'nt great and it did suck. However he is an adult now and everyone has within him sense of whats right and whats wrong. He choose wrong. What about the loss he caused. Insurance going to cover it? Thats not fair. Their I go paying for the wrong of someone else again and again! Jail time? Short time yes., but lets give him a chance after that. If he blows it, throw away the key.

I'd think 10 years would be reasonable

I didnt mean the ten years

To those who praise this "kid" for his flying ability, why has he been unable to land an airplane without damaging it? As for "choosing wrong" - when did he stop going to school, and supposedly learning a little ethics? Throw the book at him now; he had plenty of chances at changing his ways and he didn't. He is a criminal, not a juvenile delinquent.

A few commenters have compared the ease of the Bahama LEOs apprehending this criminal while he evaded capture in the US. Consider the size of the Bahamas compared to the continental US. No comparison, wouldn't you say? Like others, I prefer the relative freedom in the US to the police state that would be required to have captured him otherwise.

"robert reid" quoted Arthur H. Stainback: "... No greater burden can be borne by an individual than to know no one cares or understands."

Hardly applicable in the Barefoot Bandit case; nearly everyone cares and understands. We care and understand that he has committed gross acts against society that are deserving of harsh penalty.

Was this "robert reid" supposed to refer to the first "shoe bomber?"

i didnn't want to go there Roger, but i'm glad you did! my thoughts exactly :).

My suggestion eight months ago ["All this chatter about jail, flogging, rehabilitation for the perp, but -- hey, this is Avweb, remember? Colton has created (or disclosed) a horrendous issue for the aviation community. Would it not make sense to apply Avweb's group-think power to making recommendations for DHS, for FAA, for DOD?"] was dismissed the same day by Mike Whaley with his anecdote of doubtful relevance. Would anybody else have -- or be interested in -- a constructive recommendation?