SUFFOLK, Va. (AP) -- Police want to hear from anyone who took a ride Sunday with a helicopter pilot at the Suffolk Peanut Festival.

Police say 50-year-old Ronald John Davis Junior of Naples, Florida was seen Sunday afternoon flying the Bell 206 L1 helicopter erratically around 1:30 p.m. A family who had taken a ride told police that Davis had cursed as they landed and that they had noticed the smell of alcohol on him.

Suffolk Police officers who were working at the festival halted the rides and arrested Davis.

Further observation and field sobriety test led to his arrest for operation of an aircraft under the influence of intoxicating liquors or drugs: reckless operation of aircraft, police said.

Police spokeswoman Lt. Debbie George told WVEC.com Davis had been flying for about 30 minutes before the ride was stopped.

Davis is charged with flying under the influence. He's due in court for a December 3 hearing, General District Court officials told WVEC.com.

If you rode with Davis Sunday or know someone who did, call Sgt. Charles Terrell, the investigating officer, at 757-514-7920.

Federal law requires pilots to stop drinking at least eight hours before flying.

According to the Suffolk Peanut Festival Website, Goodtimes Helicopter was scheduled to fly Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The company charged $10.00 per person per ride.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)