Interview Question for NJA

[Buckeye]

My concern is not with tattle-telling management or the cops, I am concerned about what US Customs and Border Patrol are going to say if they smell anything or decide to search the aircraft. I cross the border weekly and know these people really well, they take their jobs seriously. Not to mention that if they did find something that the plane gets impounded. I would give the company the heads up and hope for the best. The people whom actually 123QS are going to be happy with their plane being impounded or possibly seized.

 

[fischman]

I would argue that a passenger using illegal (sometimes mood altering) substances is a safety of flight issue.

What if they light up a joint? I guess you would just put on the O2 mask and let it burn?
QUOTE]

And I would argue that it isn't a safety of flight issue. I already posted as to how I would answer the interview question. I would talk to the owners and respectfully ask them to extinguish it.

In real life, it would depend on the circumstances for me. Where are we going? How many people are back there? How much are they smoking? How much smoke is in the cabin? If it's two people headed to a domestic destination and they want to have a puff or two, I really don't care, nor would I be so melodramatic as to don my mask.

I get what you are saying. What would you do if the pax started freaking out on a bad acid trip? How would you know if it was acid? PCP? Coke? What if the Pax overdoses on YOUR flight because you didn't want to piss him off? Would you let a passenger board if they were visibly drunk? Where do you draw the line? I obviously draw it closer than you.

I will leave it at this, and it is purely my opinion as PIC. I am not going to risk getting stoned on second hand smoke when I am flying an airplane. Therefore if this scenario happened, me and my SIC are going to be sucking on the mask. Also, I am not willing to risk my certificate so Snoop Dog can "chill out." The company will be informed, and law enforcement will meet us when we land.

Respectfully,

 

[ozpilot]

If someone lit up a joint in the back and I could smell it, I would go back and politlely suggest that its not a good idea to smoke a substance that can affect the performance of the flight crew. (duh!) If they refused to put it out then I would divert and get the company involved.

Otherwise I would continue to the destination, on O2 of course. But I would insist on a drug test for the FO and I when we got there.

p.s. a very good question - its never happened to me - I would be very interested in other opinions.

 

[SDCFI]

§ 91.19 Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate a civil aircraft within the United States with knowledge that narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances as defined in Federal or State statutes are carried in the aircraft.
(b) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to any carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances authorized by or under any Federal or State statute or by any Federal or State agency.

Since NetJets expects its flight crews to follow all federal regulations I would call dispatch (radio, sat phone, whatever) and tell them we need to divert and why. If you don't tell anyone you are opening yourself up to certificate action (and maybe more) should anything happen. What if after the pax leave you get ramped and the plane smells like weed? What if they get into the terminal and drop their bag in front of airport security and a joint falls out? What if something slips under a seat or behind a panel only to surface when a CBP officer comes up after a trip from Mexico? You're betting your job and the company's reputation that nobody finds out. Not the kind of risk I want to take. When it comes to doing something blatantly illegal that puts you and your livelihood at risk I don't think you owe the pax any special considerations. I would of course handle the situation in a calm and professional manner, buy they would get no sympathy from me when the cops take them away in handcuffs. What you do in your own home is one thing, what you do in the back of my airplane is another.

 

[crjaviator]

Lot's of good posts and varying opinions. I'm very gratefull to all that have answered. I'm also fairly confused now as well. I keep changing my thought process based on inputs from all. Don't stop replying! This is good stuff.

 

[skiandsurf]

Don't stop replying! This is good stuff.

In my airlines days, I have always protected my crew and passengers. If I can get away with something that will not have to be explained later, do what it takes (aborted takeoff, go-around, kick off drunk pax). If I think I might have some 'splainen, get input from others (other crewmembers, chief pilot, etc). If a guy lights up a joint, this is not a time critical emergency, get on the phone and talk to a chief pilot. Remember use all of your available resources.

 

[captain dad]

This is very true. However, the key word is "knowledge". All of our owners are adults and have been given info on the use and carriage of substances and that it is illegal and not allowed on our aircraft. They are the ones ultimately responsible for their own actions. The response by the crew should be put it out, contact the company and divert if need be.

What if the passenger seems out of it and you notice he is carrying a bag full of pills?

What if the paasenger seems fine but is carrying a bottle of moon shine?

What if you're flying along after picking up a crew from a hunting camp. You look back and see a guy showing off his custom made shotgun to his buddies.

The direct pot question is the easy one.

Really they are all simple. Do the right thing, get it done, and don't make any excuses or exceptions. The FOM covers some of this the rest, just use your best judgement. When in doubt call the ACP (assistant chief pilot).

§ 91.19 Carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate a civil aircraft within the United States with knowledge that narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances as defined in Federal or State statutes are carried in the aircraft.
(b) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to any carriage of narcotic drugs, marihuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances authorized by or under any Federal or State statute or by any Federal or State agency.

Since NetJets expects its flight crews to follow all federal regulations I would call dispatch (radio, sat phone, whatever) and tell them we need to divert and why. If you don't tell anyone you are opening yourself up to certificate action (and maybe more) should anything happen. What if after the pax leave you get ramped and the plane smells like weed? What if they get into the terminal and drop their bag in front of airport security and a joint falls out? What if something slips under a seat or behind a panel only to surface when a CBP officer comes up after a trip from Mexico? You're betting your job and the company's reputation that nobody finds out. Not the kind of risk I want to take. When it comes to doing something blatantly illegal that puts you and your livelihood at risk I don't think you owe the pax any special considerations. I would of course handle the situation in a calm and professional manner, buy they would get no sympathy from me when the cops take them away in handcuffs. What you do in your own home is one thing, what you do in the back of my airplane is another.

 

[BoeingBaller]

Here is how you could handle it.Excuse me sir could you please put that out, it may have an effect on my career if I am randomly drug tested at our destination which happens quite often.End of story no need to call the S.W.A.T team.. I have never come across a owner in my life that would not comply with that request..