Errant pilot could face civil penalties
Fines, suspension possible after Washington evacuations
 |  The Cessna was forced to land by military aircraft. |
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 Key buildings evacuated as plane enters restricted airspace.
 The White House spokesman describes the evacuations.
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| CNN seeks home video | If you have home video of the airplane security breach Wednesday over Washington, please call CNN at 404-827-1500 and ask for Public Information.
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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The pilot whose intrusion into restricted airspace prompted brief evacuations in the District of Columbia Wednesday is likely to face civil penalties after being released without criminal charges, federal officials said.
Those penalties could include suspension of his flying license.
Aviation lawyers and federal authorities said the government also could impose fines of up to $1,100 for each violation.
Those violations might include entering restricted airspace, failing to respond to communications, and failing to be properly informed of flight restrictions outlined in "notices to airmen," which all licensed pilots receive.
Government aviation authorities said intrusions of restricted airspace in the past have resulted in license suspensions in the range of 30 to 90 days per violation.
But if recklessness or intent to violate the restricted space is involved, it could result in a permanent license revocation.
To date, Federal Aviation Administration officials have placed the emphasis on suspensions rather than fines.
"You have to understand these guys prize their certificates a lot more than cash," said one enforcement official who asked not to be identified.
Another aviation attorney was more blunt.
"You can't just throw people in jail for being stupid or oblivious," the lawyer said.
FAA regulations include detailed procedures on how the agency determines appropriate sanctions.
When all information is collected, it will be compiled in an enforcement investigative report by the FAA eastern regional office in New York.
Officials at FAA headquarters will then determine the length of suspensions and extent of fines.
If the pilot chooses to challenge the decision, the appeal would go to the National Transportation Safety Board.
Aviation attorneys said there is no obvious legal remedy for seeking restitution, such as recovering the cost of lost government employee time.
A Black Hawk helicopter and two F-16 fighters forced the Cessna 150 aircraft to land at a small airport in Frederick, Maryland, at 12:37 p.m., officials said.
Law enforcement officials identified the men aboard the plane as Jim Sheaffer, the pilot, and Troy Martin, a student pilot.
They were taken into custody by Maryland state police and turned over to FBI and Secret Service agents for questioning, after which they were released.
Sheaffer and Martin are members of the Pennsylvania-based Vintage Aero Club, said John Henderson, another club member. The club is the plane's registered owner in FAA records.
They took off from a small airport in Smoketown, Pennsylvania, and were on their way to an air show in North Carolina when they flew into the restricted airspace, Henderson said.
He said he is sure the breach was accidental and that they meant no harm. Federal officials said it is not believed they ever posed any kind of threat.
As the plane approached, authorities evacuated the Capitol Hill area, the White House and other federal buildings, giving an all clear to return after about 15 minutes.
President Bush was not at the White House at the time, but first lady Laura Bush and former first lady Nancy Reagan -- who was in town for a tribute -- were inside the residence and were moved to a secure location.
CNN's Joe Johns, Kelli Arena and Kathleen Koch contributed to this report.
