Thomas Fitzpatrick (pilot)
Thomas Edward Fitzpatrick (April 24, 1930 – September 14, 2009) nicknamed Tommy Fitz, was an American pilot known for two intoxicated flights where he flew from Teterboro, New Jersey and landed on the streets of New York City.

Flights
At approximately 3 a.m. on September 30, 1956, Fitzpatrick, while intoxicated, stole a single engine plane from the Teterboro School of Aeronautics in New Jersey and flew without lights or radio before landing on St. Nicholas Avenue near 191st Street in front of a New York City bar where earlier he had been drinking and made an intoxicated barroom bet that he could travel from New Jersey to New York City in 15 minutes. The New York Times called the flight a "feat of aeronautics" and a "fine landing". For his illegal flight, he initially received a $5,000 bail, but he was fined $100.00 after the plane's owner refused to press charges.

On October 4, 1958 just before 1 a.m., Fitzpatrick, again intoxicated, stole another plane from the same airfield and landed on Amsterdam and 187th street in front of a Yeshiva University building after another bar patron disbelieved his first feat. For his second stolen flight, Judge John A. Mullen sentenced him to six months in prison stating, "Had you been properly jolted then, it’s possible this would not have occurred a second time." Fitzpatrick said "it's the lousy drink" that caused him to pull the stunt.

Personal life

Fitzpatrick worked as a Steamfitter with Local #638 of New York City for 51 years. He served in the US Marine Corps during World War II fighting in the Pacific theater. Fitzpatrick was honorably discharged after World War II. He then joined the US Army and served during the Korean War where he received a Purple Heart for his service. He was a member of the Township of Washington Golden Seniors, Our Lady of Good Counsel Men's Group, VFW Post # 6192 of Washington Township and the China-Marines Organization.

Death
A resident of Washington Township, Bergen County, New Jersey, Fitzpatrick died of cancer on September 14, 2009 at the age of 79. He is survived by his three sons, Thomas E. Jr, Daniel F., and Stephen P. Fitzpatrick, and his wife of 51 years, Helen (Fratinardo) Fitzpatrick.

Legacy
Fitzpatrick has a mixed drink named after him for his feat called the "Late Night Flight".