Robert Allen Pooley, a 49-year-old skydiving instructor from Acampo, California, was sentenced today to two years in federal prison for wire fraud related to unauthorized tandem skydiving instructor courses. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb, follows a May 2024 conviction by a federal jury after a seven-day trial.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Pooley obtained ratings as a “tandem examiner” with the U.S. Parachute Association (USPA) and Uninsured United Parachute Technologies LLC (UPT) in 2010. He then began offering training courses for individuals seeking to become USPA Tandem Instructors and obtain certifications to use UPT tandem parachutes. However, Pooley’s examiner ratings were revoked in 2011. Despite this, he continued to conduct unauthorized training courses, falsely claiming to be certified, and collecting fees from aspiring instructors.
“Mr. Pooley’s fraudulent actions put lives at risk,” stated U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. “He knowingly misled students and jeopardized the safety of both instructors and the public by providing unauthorized training and certifications.”
Tragically, Pooley’s scheme had fatal consequences. In 2016, one of his students, who had paid for and received unauthorized training, was involved in a tandem skydiving accident that resulted in the deaths of both the instructor and the customer.
“This case highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable who prioritize personal gain over safety and compliance with regulations,” said Todd Damiani, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Western Region. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who engage in fraudulent activities that endanger the public.”
In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Shubb ordered Pooley to pay restitution to the victims of his scheme. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations and the devastating consequences that can result from fraudulent practices in the aviation industry.
