Helicopter tour pilot arrested for reckless flying in Osceola Co.

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A pilot in Osceola County was fired and arrested after deputies say he flew a helicopter so low it could have collided with a semi truck.

Thomas Vorstman, 31, of Orlando, worked as a pilot at Orlando Heli Tours, located on West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway.

He's since been fired after deputies say they saw a helicopter he was flying in close proximity with cars driving down the road along West 192 in Kissimmee on Saturday.

Deputies waited for Vorstman to return to the heli pad at Orlando Heli Tours, but when he touched down, deputies say he refused to get out of the aircraft.

For safety concerns, investigators could not approach the helicopter while it was still running.

Vorstman told deputies that he could not leave the helicopter and took off with a group of passengers inside.

Deputies say about five minutes later, Vorstman returned and met with deputies after finishing safety checks on the aircraft.

Vorstman told deputies that he "had a heavy load," which was why he was flying so low over traffic.

Vorstman was arrested on charges of operating an aircraft in a reckless manner and resisting without violence.

Deputies say they have notified the Federal Aviation Administration.