'-'''' MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD

Event: Interview of David Powell

Date: 04/12/2004

Special access issues: Agreement dated 07129/2003 ,with the Attorney General

Prepared by: Quinn John Tamm, Jr.

9/11 Personal Privacy
Team number: lA

David Powell, male, date of birth I " I

was a flight instructor at Hortman Aviation, Northeast Philadelphia Airport, Philaaelphia,
P A, was interviewed by telephone on this date. In accordance with the agreement with
the Attorney General, Detective, Second Class, Robert Sassok, New York Police
Department, represented the Department of Justice.

Mr. Powell conducted a "flight check-out" of Ziad Jarrah during the first week of
June 2001. Mr. Powell states that he clearly recalls his contact with Jarrah. Mr. Powell
was assessing whether Jarrah would be allowed to rent and fly an aircraft from Hortman
Aviation. The aircraft used was a Piper Arthur. On the first flight Jarrah flew across the
Delaware Riverto New Jersey and landed at the "Flying W' airport in Lumberton,
Burlington County, NJ. Mr. Powell stated that Jarrah had some problem with the landing
because he did not make the proper adjustments for cross-winds. -Jarrah told Mr. Powell
during the flight that he was from Germany and that he learned to fly in Florida Jarrah
also stated that he, that is Jarrah wanted to obtain a multi-engine license.

Mr. Powell stated that he told Jarrah that he would have to return for additional
training before he, that is J arrah, would be allowed to' rent an aircraft,

Mr. Powell is aware that Jarrah was interested in flying what is known as the
"Hudson Corridor." Jarrah did not ask Mr. Powell directly, but instead made the request
of the owner of Hortman Aviation, Herbert Hortman. Mr. Powell said that is was his ,
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opinion that Jarrah lacked the skill to fly this corridor. Jarrah returned to the Northeast-
.

Philadelphia Airport the following day, and took another check-out flight. Jarrah handled
the aircraft effectively this time. Mr. Powell noted, however, that there was minimal
wind, and the landings were not affected by the wind. Mr. Powell said that Jarrah told
him that he, that is Jarrah, was trying to obtain a commercial pilot's license. Mr. Powell
did not recommend that Jarrah be allowed to rent an aircraft from Hortman Aviation.
Among other issues, Jarrah had difficulty in operating the radio, and contacting the tower
of the Northeast Philadelphia airport. Mr. Powell did not feel that Jarrah would be able to
fly and communicate with air traffic controllers in the congested flight corridors in the
Philadelphia and New York region. Mr. Powell was asked if Jarrah request to fly in the
flight corridor near McGuire Air Force Base, in Burlington County. Mr. Powell stated
that Jarrah did not make this request.

1
 Mr. Powell was asked if he would be willing to be a member of a panel of
witnesses that would testify before the Commission. It was explained to Mr. Powell that
he would be part of a group of flight instructors who would testify about their interactions
with the 09/1112001 hijackers. Mr. Powell replied that he would be willing to be a
witness.