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Vigilia_Procuratio ago

A personal database record of flight records is not proof of flights, it is a statement. Proof of flights comes from an air traffic controller. If that is supposed to be some kind of alibi then he's clearly got something to hide.

anonOpenPress ago

In a private plane, is there any other control but the pilot's log on passengers? There are no tickets bought, and with Epstein's wealth I'd guess there's no check-in for his flight guests.

Vigilia_Procuratio ago

Fair point. Okay, so if somebody flies to the US Virgin Islands (so they're not leaving the USA at any point), do they need a current passport? I mean, here in England I can technically leave the country into Europe without one (at least now, this might change after Brexit fully takes effect) - I might not get very far without one (that is, if I cannot sufficiently prove my identity), but legally I don't actually need one. So what about the USA (excuse my ignorance, I really haven't got a clue about this)?

NotAnIdiot ago

If you're flying within the US you at least need a photo ID (license). At least that's how it is at a regular airport.

Vigilia_Procuratio ago

So presumably, if somebody flies privately and domestically then the passengers don't need to be declared. In other words, a private passenger roster means virtually jack shit.

NotAnIdiot ago

I don't know how private flights work, but in a regular airport there needs to be a scanned ID.

Vigilia_Procuratio ago

Okay, so Lolita Express is a Boeing 727. I wonder how many private and civil aerodromes in the US would be able to accommodate such an aircraft? In other words, what are the chances that when this thing is at an airport the passengers are at some point required to show ID?

NotAnIdiot ago

As far as I know there is actually a separate part of the airport where private planes are parked/stored. Not sure if you need to show ID to get in there, or maybe just the pilot does.

I just looked it up. It is not always necessary to show ID on a private chartered flight. I assume it is the same if you own the plane.

Vigilia_Procuratio ago

Bear in mind though that if the flight leaves US airspace then customs and immigration will be relevant - without the usual checks, terrorism and smuggling will be a problem.

In any case, as I said a private passenger roster is worth very little if nobody has to present before an airport official at any time. All we really know for sure is who the plane belongs to (presumably who the pilot is as well, but again there's no guarantee unless somebody actually IDs him). Useful by all means, but if somebody wanted to use that for an alibi then it might not be much good.