Gyrocopter pilot talks about Capitol landing stunt

WASHINGTON (WPVI) -- The man who literally flew under the radar and landed his gyrocopter on the Capitol lawn in Washington, D.C. is now speaking out.

Doug Hughes insists he was never a security threat.

"I was a mailman, I was delivering the mail. I don't think that the government is going to shoot down a 61-year-old man in a flying bicycle," said Hughes.

New footage from his gyrocopter has been released. It was taken from his perspective as he took off from an airport in Gettysburg, Pa. last Wednesday.

He flew 80 miles through Maryland into Washington, D.C. only 150 feet up in the air. Hughes said he used landmarks like the World War II memorial and the Washington Monument as guides.

"At the time that I was flying up the Capitol Mall it was a huge thrill. I wasn't worried about getting shot down. I was worried about my flying and I was focused on making my landing," Hughes said.

His 11-year-old daughter, Kathy, said she is standing by her father.

"I was just downright proud. He's a patriot, you know? He did it for the country," she said.

Doug Hughes said it is now up to the American people to continue the conversation about campaign finance reform that he wanted to start with this stunt.

"If they pick this up it's in their power to fix the problem, and then it's worth it even if I lose my job, even if I go to jail," he said.

Doug Hughes could get four years in prison. He was fitted with a GPS bracelet on Monday to start serving house arrest.

When asked if he'll be in a gyrocopter again, Hughes said he doesn't think authorities will release it back to him.