Originally Posted by
rickair7777
Maybe, maybe not.
The FAR requirement to hold a pilot license is admin law, not criminal law.
There is also a potential criminal penalty under under 49 U.S.C. §46306(b)(7):
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Except as provided by subsection (c) of this section, a person shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned for not more than 3 years, or both, if the person—
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(7) knowingly and willfully serves or attempts to serve in any capacity as an airman without an airman's certificate authorizing the individual to serve in that capacity;
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