ROME (AP) — Italy's civil aviation authority has suspended the license of the helicopter pilot who flew low over Rome to drop flower petals during the over-the-top funeral of a purported local crime boss that has outraged city residents.
In addition to the flower petals, the funeral Thursday of Vittorio Casamonica featured a gilded, horse-drawn carriage carrying the casket and a band playing the theme music from "The Godfather" outside the Rome church.
Civil aviation authority ENAC said in a statement Friday it was suspending the license of the pilot as a precaution, given that single-engine helicopters are prohibited from flying over the capital. ENAC said the helicopter flew below the 1,000-foot (330-meter) limit and violated regulations by tossing objects — flower petals — out of its hold without authorization.