Italian authorities recently seized eight helicopters and are investigating four pilots associated with a company offering aerial tours of Pompeii’s archaeological ruins. The company, Rotortech, is accused of conducting panoramic flights without proper authorizations or operations licenses. Public Prosecutor Nunzio Fragliasso of the Torre Annunziata municipality deemed the activities of Rotortech as extremely dangerous to public and private safety, prompting a preventative seizure of the aircrafts.
Fragliasso highlighted several safety and operational violations allegedly committed by Rotortech. These include operating aircrafts without undergoing periodic inspections, not following maintenance procedures in compliance with European commercial standards, and employing pilots with only private licenses instead of professional qualifications. The helicopters were also reportedly not authorized for air navigation.
Additionally, concerns were raised about the handling of tourists’ luggage during the flight tours, with reports indicating that luggage was improperly stowed or placed on air control panels. The pilots were accused of flying over Pompeii’s ruins and crowds of people, as well as conducting take-offs and landings in critical zones near schools, highways, railways, and other obstacles.
While the press release did not mention specific names, public records show that Giuseppe Pennino owns Rotortech, and Enrico Abagnale, who previously received a pilot license suspension for low flying and dropping flower petals over a mafia boss’s funeral in 2015, is also linked to the company.
Aerial tourism has become increasingly popular worldwide, offering unique perspectives of archaeological wonders and cultural landmarks. In the case of Pompeii, aerial tours provide a different vantage point of the ancient city, showcasing its vast size and ongoing archaeological discoveries.
As investigations into Rotortech and its pilots continue, the future of aerial tours over Pompeii remains uncertain. It is essential for companies in the tourism industry to prioritize safety and compliance with regulations to ensure the well-being of both passengers and the public.
