JetBlue CEO on pilot’s mid-air meltdown: ‘It started medical, but clearly wasn’t’

[sbav8r]

I'm unaware of any other occupation in which a breakdown would incur criminal charges. Even if he was a physician in the OR, I doubt criminal charges would even be considered. Very unfortunate...

 

[SLUF4]

perhaps al qaeda has found a way to hypnotize flight crews. the AA stewardess was talking about the same things. I know it's far fetched, but thinking outside the box.

 

[Old School 737]

perhaps al qaeda has found a way to hypnotize flight crews. the AA stewardess was talking about the same things. I know it's far fetched, but thinking outside the box.

I like it!! Your on to something!!

 

[rcsimpson]

I'm guessing it's a way to go "section 8" and draw disability bennies for life after they go bankrupt and renig on all the other union contracts. He may not be as dumb as he looks to most.

 

[Chronic Jetlag]

The news is reporting that the JB Captain has been charged with the crime of interfering with a flight crews duties. If true, which I really don't believe it, how on earth can these charges be levied against the Captain.

As a Captain myself, I have interfered with a crew members duties by acting as PIC and using PIC authority. Under normal circumstances the Captain has the right to enter the flightdeck and at times interfere with other flight crews duties. Just off the top of my head I can think of several occasions where I did interfere. Simpliest one is telling the flight attendants not to do a service due to possible turbulance.

Anyways, this story brings me to tears when I see the pictures of the Captain hand cuffed and being wheeled down the airstairs. I feel for the guy. I wish him and his family all the best.

I also think that the FO did an incredably brave act of essentially commiting a mutany against the Captain.

It's mutiny not mutiny

 

[outerlimits]

It's mutiny not mutiny

Ok easy to do but you lost me?

 

[Frap]

He was trying to correct a mistake, but made a mistake in his correction of the mistake.

Let me try.

Mutiny vs. mutany

 

[ultrarunner]

I'm unaware of any other occupation in which a breakdown would incur criminal charges. Even if he was a physician in the OR, I doubt criminal charges would even be considered. Very unfortunate...

What's even more ironic is that if he had "crashed" the airplane and the subsequent investigation revealed "pilot error", no criminal charges....

 

[BigPappa]

Its more of a guideline than a rule

Without getting in to much details, I respectfully disagree with you. Did this guy start shouting this because the FO locked him out? Did they have an disagreement beforehand? What is the background of this FO? Tapes should reveal more details.

 

[ATR-DRIVR]

Without getting in to much details, I respectfully disagree with you. Did this guy start shouting this because the FO locked him out? Did they have an disagreement beforehand? What is the background of this FO? Tapes should reveal more details.

Read the FBI interview transcript and then come back. What difference does his background have?

 

[satpak77]

If this Captain was such a threat why did the FO open the Cockpit door again to let the other guy in. He should've landed the plane without opening the door at all. I would not think they can legally charge the Captain with interfering with the flight crew, as HE is part of the flight crew. Very weird situation.

1. FO appears to have used every resource at his disposal, to include a Captain in the back. Good job.

2. The Captain meets the criminal code for interference of a flight crew, as he is an individual.

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/49/46504

An individual on an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States who, by assaulting or intimidating a flight crew member or flight attendant of the aircraft, interferes with the performance of the duties of the member or attendant or lessens the ability of the member or attendant to perform those duties, or attempts or conspires to do such an act, shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned for not more than 20 years, or both. However, if a dangerous weapon is used in assaulting or intimidating the member or attendant, the individual shall be imprisoned for any term of years or for life.

3. A federal judge, reviewed the facts, and authorized charges. Captain was not willy nilly'ed put in the local slammer by the local Sheriff.

4. Saying the Captain can't be charged with interference because he is a member of the flight crew is like saying a bank teller can't be charged with theft because she works at the bank. Once the line is crossed into criminal acts, he/anyone is fair game.

5. This clearly falls into the "If the Captain does something grossly stupid, or clearly threatens safety, FO is empowered to take action" category. This is also a possible excellent case of CRM, in which the entire crew, FA, extra Captain, etc was used.

 

[BigPappa]

He deserves a fair trial. If his intentions were truely criminal in nature than I am sure he will get the punishment that fits the crime. Just read the rest of the interview and if all is true, "taking a leap of faith" then this guy was becoming mentally unstable and the FO did everything he had to do.

1. FO appears to have used every resource at his disposal, to include a Captain in the back. Good job.

2. The Captain meets the criminal code for interference of a flight crew, as he is an individual.

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/49/46504



3. A federal judge, reviewed the facts, and authorized charges. Captain was not willy nilly'ed put in the local slammer by the local Sheriff.

4. Saying the Captain can't be charged with interference because he is a member of the flight crew is like saying a bank teller can't be charged with theft because she works at the bank. Once the line is crossed into criminal acts, he/anyone is fair game.

5. This clearly falls into the "If the Captain does something grossly stupid, or clearly threatens safety, FO is empowered to take action" category. This is also a possible excellent case of CRM, in which the entire crew, FA, extra Captain, etc was used.

 

[satpak77]

He deserves a fair trial. If his intentions were truely criminal in nature than I am sure he will get the punishment that fits the crime.

Yes I agree. And I will be the first to state that maybe a medical or mental health issue affected an otherwise good guy, and led to this.

Good luck to him

 

[gringo]

I would agree.

The question is when and who relieved the Captain from being the Captain. The FO? Can the FO relieve the Captain from being the Captain? Granted the Captain could no longer pilot the aircraft but he is still a crewmember. Then ask yourself this. What if an FO or Captain locks out the other person without a valid cause or with what they think is a valid cause but it doesn't deem locking them away from the controls or their assigned seat. I find this aurgument facinating. This JB FO organized and performed a mutiny against the Captain. Rightfully so, but he still performed a mutiny.

Anyway you slice it I think the Captain is getting a raw deal with any pending criminal charges. I truly feel for the guy and really wish I could help.

If there are any JB guys reading this and know of an assistance fund I would gladly donate. Not only to help the family financially but to show the family that they are supported.

Mutiny? Are you serious? Do you even know the meaning of the word? Or is that just what popped out on your "word of the day" app? Your entire opening paragraph screams "look at me, I'm an idiot!"

Mutiny. Jesus Christ. Stick to flying airplanes. Your legal expertise is severely lacking.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutiny

 

[LeeRoyJenkins]

Isn't saying "he deserves a fair trial" similar to stating that "water is wet?"

 

[LearLove]

Maybe he freaked out because for the last 12 years he has been flying 85+ hours per month trying to make what we made pre 911 flying 70.

Just like the SWA jumpseater I had the other day boasting about how he flew over 900 hours last year. Another couple of years working like that and he can spend all the $$$$$$$$ he made busting his hump on a shrink to put his head back together when he melts down.

Yeah time and a half for flying over 75. Yeah pick up some more trips. Yeah yeah - what ever. Management laughs all the way to the bank. Mean while pilots keep proving we are the dumbest labor group ever.

 

[crxpilot]

The man needs medical help, the charges shouldnt stick. It wasnt intentional.

 

[ron burgundy]

Yep..I've seen this type of thing before...CRIMSON TIDE. (loosely quoted)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is not a formality sir, this is *expressly* why your command must be repeated. It requires my assent, I *do not* give it---

further more, Captain Ramsey, if you continue upon this course, and insist upon this..I will act, backed by the rules of precedence as Second in the authority of command, regulations number 815( far67.107(a)(2) ) to relieve you of your command.. Captain!


Captain Ramsey, I relieve you of your command of this ship. COB(Lead f/a), escort the Captain to his state room (lav), I'm assuming command.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
It can happen to the best as easily it does "the rest". Hope things work out in the long run for he and his family.

 

[SLUF4]

was reading the USAtoday story about "bad pilot behavior". anyone know the story behind this incident?:
"In 2008, an Air Canada co-pilot was forcibly removed from a Toronto-to-London flight, restrained and sedated after having a mental breakdown and speaking to God while behind the controls at 30,000 feet. The plane landed safely in Ireland.

 

[NEDude]

According to the latest on CNN, Osbon is still "under care" and receiving "medical treatment". I truly hope this turns out to be a medical issue (and one that is treatable), I think that bodes much better for his future and ultimately not having to face the criminal charges.