Zemarcuis Scott, 19, was found in the cockpit of an American Eagle jet at Texarkana Regional Airport in Arkansas on July 4.
He reportedly told police that he thought piloting the twin-engine aircraft would involve little more than pushing buttons and pulling levers.
Scott was trying to fly to Chicago to attend a gig by rap star Famous Dex.
He has no experience of flying an aeroplane – but Scott told officers that it didn't concern him.
Airport security spotted him hopping a perimeter fence at around 2:30am.
STAKED OUT PLANE FOR HOURS
Investigators said that Scott told them he had been thinking of stealing a plane for about a month, according to the Texarkana Gazette.
After cycling to the airport, he kept an eye on the jet for four hours before ditching his bike and dashing for the fence.
He pleaded guilty on Thursday to attempted theft of property and commercial burglary.
Scott was sentenced to five years' probation and must pay a $1,000 fine (£764) plus court costs.
In December, he was found mentally competent to stand trial.
Authorities say the 44-seat jet wasn't damaged.
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