Tulsa Businessman Forfeits Helicopter, Pilot's License In Federal Plea Deal

A Tulsa businessman has agreed to forfeit his helicopter and not fly or possess any aircraft for two years, according to federal court records in Phoenix, Arizona.

The records show Bill Stokely will plead guilty to illegally changing his helicopter's FAA registration number from N7513Q to N7513O in Arizona in October 2011. Prosecutors will drop Count 2, which alleged that Stokely flew his Robinson R44 helicopter without having a valid pilot's certificate.

According to a plea agreement filed on February 8th, Stokely will "not hold or reapply for a pilot's license for 24 months." It also states Stokely agreed to forfeit his Robinson R44 helicopter.

"I've been a bad boy in the eyes of the FAA," he told News On 6. 

Read plea agreement.

In exchange for Stokely's plea, the U.S. attorney's office in Phoenix agreed not to pursue a federal prison sentence of up to three years and/or a fine of up to $250,000 for Stokely.

A judge still has to sign off on the deal.

According to the Stokely Outdoor Advertising web site, Bill Stokely opened his business in 1987. His billboards are common sights around Tulsa.