Jose wrote:
If you never make a false statement to the government, and merely fly an
airplane without a license, and without ever having attempted to get
one, is this a criminal act according to statute?

I imagine one way is for a repeated violation (after the civil
fine version and FAA letter to don't do that again), the FAA
obtains an injunction. Then you best not violate the court's order.

There may some generic statute which fits, but a specific law
should be carefully worded so as to be for actual crimes like all
the others. A certificated pilot is "flying w/o a license"
merely by flying after a BFR has expired. Incarcerate for that?

However, many states provide that flying w/o an FAA "license" is
a misdemeanor. FAA can ask local law enforcement/state to
enforce. Even if no jail time, explaining this one in a job
interview may be difficult.

Fred F.