A United Airlines pilot was arrested yesterday, following a breathalyzer test. The 44 year old first officer was over the legal alcohol level. London police said that the pilot was arrested inside the aircraft, as he prepared for a flight to San Francisco from London’s Terminal 1. A United Airlines spokesperson said that the pilot has been suspended from duties. The rule of thumb is no alcohol consumption within 24 hours prior to a flight. The FAA mandates that pilots do not drink within 8 hours of flying and they may not have a blood-alcohol level above 0.04% prior to a flight.
Sure, it happens. Should it happen? No. Pilots have a duty to be safe at all times. Prior to flights, pilots should be well rested and alcohol free. However, this is not always the case. Quite frankly, I’m surprised that United has not fired the pilot (at least they did not announce it.) A bit unrelated, but it reminds me of the Continental Airlines pilots that had to get re-trained for landing at the wrong airport. Hats off to the Brits, who stopped this guy with the breathalyzer.
Correction: Fixed Continental Airlines story – Pilots were retrained.
Pilots were fired at Continental Airlines for landing a plane without the landing gear (non-emergency).
Image: flickr.com
