Allegations against state’s chief pilot being investigated

By ED VOGEL

CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Department of Transportation said Tuesday it is investigating allegations that its chief pilot allowed his teenage son to fly a state plane and that he flew the governor to Las Vegas when tanks were nearly empty.

Transportation spokesman Scott Magruder said the agency takes "very seriously" allegations of unprofessional behavior by Gary Phillips.

He said Robert Chisel, assistant director of administration, and the attorney general's office are conducting the inquiry and determining whether any disciplinary action should be taken.

But Magruder added that it is a "personnel matter" and he could not comment whether the pilot had been relieved of his duties.

The Review-Journal was sent copies of allegations made against Phillips by another state pilot, Jim Richardson.

Among the allegations are that Phillips let his 14-year-old son take off, fly and land the state's Citation on a trip from Reno to Carson City.

Phillips also is accused of flying then Gov. Kenny Guinn between Carson City and Las Vegas and landing on Oct. 29, 2006, with only eight to 12 minutes of fuel remaining.

Pilots are supposed to have enough fuel to reach an alternate airport and then be able to fly for another 45 minutes at normal power, according to the complaint.

In addition, Phillips is alleged to have displayed a temper numerous times with fellow employees and failed to complete an anger management course.

The Department of Transportation owns and operates other planes They are used to ferry the governor, other state officials and Transportation Department executives around the state.

Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.