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AirTran pilot arrested?

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I do quite a few redeyes from LAS----and we always go through security. Our group of gates is right next to the sole Airtran gate. Southwest doesn't go through security? What? Oh, that's right---they are all only wearing speedos in flight anyway---just one SMALL check and they are at the gate......



Bye Bye--General Lee
 
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Ever wonder why the screeners get right in your face and ask to see your ID after you've already shown in to the geriatric rent-a-cop at the podium? Because they're just dying to make the headlines.
 
8vATE said:
I think most of us would agree there should be ZERO TOLERANCE for being intoxicated while being an air carrier pilot...


I've seen a lot of guys play fast and loose with the 8 hour rule......

It is just stupid in my opinion.....
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On the record: You sir, are a fool. Apparently it is not obvious to you, which is even more distressing. You are telling everyone on this board (and the FAA) that you have witnessed crew members violate the 8 hour no alcohol FAA regulation (FAR) and you failed to notify the appropriate authorities. I would love to hear your explanation at an FAA and company enforcement/disciplinary hearing, especially a post-incident inquiry investigation.

Off the record: do not ever put yourself in a position in which you knowingly observe any crew member violate the 8 hour no alcohol FAR. Approaching the 8 hour point, EXCUSE yourself from your colleagues and get the hell out of there if there is even the remotest chance some jerk will violate his window. Failing the above action, you have placed your ticket in jeopardy for failing to notify the FAA over a willful FAR violation (according to an FAA aviation inspector acquaintance).

Your beer may vary!

BBB
 
TopGun-MAV said:
how do i pack heat in the cockpit? can fo's do it?
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Topdork,

You're a frickin tool! Go play on the other boards.

If you haven't flown tactical, don't try to act like you have.

Oh, and you're also a jungle jet co-captain, huh? Didn't realize you could hold an ATP with 900 hours.

Okay, now that I've got that off my chest - on to the topic at hand. This guy is toast. I know he probably needs help for his drinking, and I hope he finds it. But I can't really say that I feel sorry for him; it's his family that is going to suffer most.
 
General Lee said:
I do quite a few redeyes from LAS----and we always go through security. Our group of gates is right next to the sole Airtran gate. Southwest doesn't go through security? What? Oh, that's right---they are all only wearing speedos in flight anyway---just one SMALL check and they are at the gate......



Bye Bye--General Lee
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Were you the guy that left the dried snot all over the wall of my room at the lovely hotel we stay at in LAS? I thought so.

Seriously though. Let the facts come out first on this event. I spoke with a Captain that was falsely accused by the TSA in GEG. The media was tipped off immediately. The resulting media circus was just unreal. I won't repeat the many details of the story (as well as the story within the story) here. All I can say is that after listening to the first hand acccount; well talk about shock and awe. It is simply a horrendous experience. Guilty until proven innocent. Even once innocence is proven, the damage done by the initial media bombardment is irreversible.
 
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Tripower455 said:
I have a lot of problems with the fact that a company spokesman told the media that the guy is an FFDO. That is criminal (literally). They put the guy and his family in danger, especially if he is cleared of charges and returns to the line.
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The company put out that press release in response to some misinformation that was being reported on other news reports earlier that stated that the AirTran Pilot arrested was "armed' or "carrying a gun". These reports had various vague implications as reported and needed to be addressed.

Aside from the humanity aspect of this, this is quite a Public Relations mess for AirTran right now, and it is understandable why they absolutely had to clear up any misinformation early, regardless if you "have a lot of problems with that fact" or not.

Speaking of "misinformation"...... it is amazing at the similarity between a couple of the simpletons posting on these forums and some of the low budget local new reporters reporting a 7-11 robbery. Sadly, I would expect some of these comments from a P.O.S. news reporter, not from our own "peer" group.
 
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FL717 said:
The company put out that press release in response to some misinformation that was being reported on other news reports earlier that stated that the AirTran Pilot arrested was "armed' or "carrying a gun". These reports had various vague implications as reported.

Aside from the humanity aspect of this, this is quite a Public Relations mess for AirTran right now, and it is understandable why they absolutely had to clear up any misinformation early, regardless if you "have a lot of problems with that fact" or not.
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Admitting that he is an FFDO, for whatever reason, is a crime.

They could have said that they were mistaken about the gun.

Whoever tipped them off should fry.

$10 says that this is yet another media induced witch hunt, sparked by the tsA's ineptitude, and the guy is innocent.
 
GogglesPisano said:
Ever wonder why the screeners get right in your face and ask to see your ID after you've already shown in to the geriatric rent-a-cop at the podium? Because they're just dying to make the headlines.
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Yeah, because they think I'm hot!
 
He's innocent until proven guilty. Period.
What I find disturbing is a TSA worker detecting alcohol in a brief encounter, which was not detected in a 10-15 minute van ride by four or five other people. C'mon!
 
FL717 said:
I understand your point now... and I agree with you 100%.

I also applaud your "innocent until proven guilty" stance. I as well am taking that approach, though I have alot of info as well. If and when he is proven guilty I will be the first to start throwing rocks.
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The press just loves this kind of story, until it is proven false, at which point you'll never hear another word about it.

Pilots flying "under the influence" is a very serious issue, but in my 17 years of airline experience, it is a VERY rare occurrance that I've even heard about it, much less witnessed it. Most pilots are smart enough to realize that this is too easy a gig to screw up...........

If the guy is guilty, he should be punished, but only AFTER he's found guilty!

You guys that are crucifying him now will be singing a different tune if and when it's your turn with these idiots.
 
More of a waste of my G. D hard earned money. Better privatize social security, or else gov't will rape me more! Funny as hell that it just so happens the year Soc. security runs out is the exact year I turn 65. Bush, will fix it, IMHO!
 
So if it DOES turn out to be true, and it's found that unfortunately he's guilty of drinking, will all the TSA-bashers who are here (and I might add, also without the facts) be making retractions and issuing "Thank you TSA" statements for keeping an intoxicated pilot out of the cockpit? Who would want their family on that plane?

No doubt it sucks for him now (the media bitz and suspicion), but if he's proven innocent then his career won't suffer, and far from being tarnished his reputation will be further enhanced because from the posts here of those who know him he sounds like a good guy.

All these "Pilot arrested because TSA smelled alcohol" incidents are well-publicized. Does anyone know how many ended up in convictions, and how many turned out to be the work of over-zealous TSA wankers?
 
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From the Communist News Network: "The captain neither took command of the aircraft nor was the aircraft operated in any manner," the airline said.

If he neither took command of the aircraft nor was the aircraft operated in any manner, what's the guy guilty of? Is it illegal to be hammered in an aircraft terminal while wearing a pilot uniform? Because up until you take "command" you're not a pilot...just a guy walking around with a piece of DOT cardboard in your wallet.

As far as the TSA is concerned...when did they become the self appointed guardians of virtuous flight? Sounds like just another case of someone who can't possibly keep his mouth shut.

Sorry but, I am NOT my brother's keeper!

Aviation would be a much better place if we'd all just mind our own business.
 
Has anyone thought..

I agree totally that this guy has already recieved a bad rap....where is the justice here, not one mention yet that he "tested" positive...just some TSA guys word????WTF....

This is total BS....if the TSA wants this power then put BAC machines at the gates for everyone to blow in as well...hell they undress us everytime we go through security anyway...

I just wondered if anyone here has given this a second thought...LAS has 1 Airtran Gate....Hmmm airtran moving more business into LAS...Lost of airlines doing business therer, maybe another carrier has decided to play dirty and call in a tip, Something like an Airtran Crew was seen drinking before they went to the airport....calls the TSA hotline.......

In this day of cut throat tactics, I would not be surprised, especially in LAS..one of the most powerful towns in the world...

In the mean time, put yourself in his shoes for a minute...wait for an offical report from testing....

I believe the TSA should be held accountable for damages in the way they publicly handel these things...the damage they do to an airlines reputation, the pilots... could'nt this type of thing be handeled more privately, of course it could and it should be required!!! If the charges are proven later to be accurate..well then the gloves are off, but the public perception, the company perception of the accused employee, this is the only thing I see criminal right now.. JMHO
 
I have been random alcohol tested before and it only takes a few minutes literally to be tested and have the results. I would bet that if this guy was accused of drinking prior to flying that he was wisked off ASAP and tested. They would need there proof to substantiate there claims. So with Air Trans annoncmant covering there butts I would bet that this article is sad but true. Also you dont need to blow very much to be considered impared for flying. It isnt like a DUI while driving your car.
 
Guys,

First off the TSA security screeners have zero detainment authority. If they suspect something is wrong they contact a LEO assigned to the checkpoint. It is then up to the LEO to determine if an individual is to be detained. If you read the article the LEO gave the pilot a breathalyzer test then detained him. If I were betting on this one, I would bet that this pilot was over the limit.

"“The Las Vegas Police Department did escort the captain from the aircraft and performed a Breathalyzer test. It is our understanding the captain failed the Breathalyzer test,” said Tad Hutcheson of AirTran Airways."

B-727 Freight Dawg
like a lot of furloughed guys/gals used to train TSA screeners
 
Unfortunately TSA will never get a black eye over this incident. If he is guilty the kudos will go to TSA for finding it. If he is not guilty, the response will be "we're glad TSA is looking out for this stuff".


PS - Just noticed something in the link to the article. The headline for drinking pilot reads "Pilot Arrested on AirTran Flight", the but headline about the airplane skidding off the runway reads "Plane Skids Off Runway; No Injuries". Why doesn't it read "Delta Plane Skids Off Runway", or the AirTran one read "Pilot Arrested on Plane". One article names the airline in the headline, the other doesn't. Seems a little biased to me.
 
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NEDude said:
Unfortunately TSA will never get a black eye over this incident. If he is guilty the kudos will go to TSA for finding it. If he is not guilty, the response will be "we're glad TSA is looking out for this stuff".
QUOTE]

Why should the TSA get a black eye if the pilot tested positive and is found guilty? Sounds like heads-up ball to me.
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Why should the TSA get a black eye if the pilot tested positive and is found guilty? Sounds like heads-up ball to me.
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I'm not saying they should get a black eye if he is found guilty, but they should if he is not.
 

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