The FAA grounded the pilots involved in the failed pilot change maneuver

Mission Failed: Red Bull’s Dangerous Plane Swap Challenge 1:09 (CNN) — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued emergency orders to ground the two pilots involved in the failed and “unauthorized” Red Bull aircraft swap maneuver last month.
New documents shared first with CNN show the FAA has ordered stunt doubles Luke Aikins and Andy Farrington to “surrender their pilot certificates immediately.” The FAA is also proposing a $4,932 fine against Aikins for “leaving his pilot’s seat and recklessly operating an aircraft.” Aikins and Farrington planned the April 24 plane swapping maneuver, in which they each flew a modified Cessna 182 14,000 feet over the Arizona desert, aimed the planes at the ground and attempted a parachute jump. from plane to plane, leaving each plane momentarily without a pilot. One of the planes lost control and crashed. The two men survived. The event was broadcast live on Hulu. Two days before the accident, the FAA denied Aikins’ request for a government exemption to perform the stunt. In a statement posted on social media in the days after the crash, Aikins said he “made a personal decision to proceed with the aircraft swap.” In its emergency order dated May 10, the FAA told Aikins that his actions were “careless and reckless and endangered the life and property of another.” He is cited for violating three FAA regulations, including one requiring pilots to “be in command” at all times. The FAA said Aikins and Farrington can appeal their license revocations and the fine. CNN has contacted Aikins for comment.