Interview Question for NJA

[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..