Aviation director Guillermo Seamann illegally certified 38 pilots and mechanics from Venezuela

Honduran authorities are searching for the country's civil aviation director, who allegedly issued illegal certifications for pilots and airplane mechanics without testing them, an official said Tuesday. Prosecutors' spokesman Melvin Duarte said a monthslong investigation revealed that government aviation director Guillermo Seamann illegally certified 38 pilots and mechanics from Venezuela, and one aviation employee from Peru whose exact occupation was not known. The applicants allegedly never set foot in Honduras and never passed the required tests for the certifications, which were valid for flying outside Honduras. Seamann is being sought on the charge of abuse of authority, which carries a maximum sentence of eight years in prison, Duarte said. An arrest warrant was issued for him, and he did not show up at his office on Tuesday. The government did not release the names of the pilots or the companies they work for. It was unclear whether they lacked sufficient training to pass the tests, or simply found it easier to apply for certification in Honduras. Seamann also is accused of having granted permits for U.S. charter companies to fly in Honduras without the required legal documents and insurance, Duarte said. He did not identify the companies.