BRUNO FINDS WAY TO FLY FREE.(Main)

When the Pataki administration told Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno he couldn't use a state helicopter, the Brunswick Republican wasn't about to be grounded. He found another way to fly, and still didn't have to pay the tab.

On Nov. 29, Bruno was told by the Pataki administration that the state helicopter was tied up that day. The chopper is frequently made available to Bruno for government business after the senator certifies to State Police he is using it for official work.

But after being told he'd get the copter and then abruptly getting turned down later, Bruno hired a Richmor Aviation jet for his visit to New York City. He paid the $4,100 tab …