Man Who Flew Gyrocopter To U.S. Capitol Pleads Not Guilty

The Florida man who flew a gyrocopter onto the grounds of the U.S. Capitol pleaded not guilty on Thursday. Douglas Hughes, a 61-year-old mail carrier from Ruskin, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Wednesday. He faced six charges of aircraft violations and breaching some of the world's most restricted airspace. Aircraft are banned from flying in the area of the Capitol and White House without permission. Prosecutors say Hughes lacked a pilot's certificate or registration for the craft. Hughes's April 15th stunt was aimed at drawing attention to the need for campaign finance reform. If convicted of all charges, he could be sentenced to up to 9 1/2 years in prison.