I agree with trainerjet.
If there is any remark or suggestion of possible use of alcohol by any member of the flight crew of an airliner, the following should take place.
1) If before you leave the gate: Do not leave the gate. Stop everything, summons the authorities, advise dispatch and demand a test.
2) If you have pushed: Return to the gate, do not takeoff. Summons the authorities and have them meet you. Advise dispatch and demand a test.
3) If it happens while airborne: Advise ATC/Dispatch, have authorities meet the aircraft at the gate. Divert to the nearest suitable airport immediately. Hold the door closed until the authorities arrive. Demand a test.
4) If it happens after landing. See #2. Don't open the door until the authorities are at the airplane.
Yes, tell the passengers on your PA. You don't have to identify the passenger to the other passengers and should not. Do identify the passenger to the authorities.
Protect your career. This is not a game and there is nothing funny about such an accusation or implication. Protect yourself.
If you have a union, call your rep immediately and report the incident. Your union should demand that the Company ban the accuser from future flying on your airline.
You can't keep idiots from buy a ticket, but you can keep them from falsely accusing pilots of behavior that could destroy your career. It's real important that you not leave the aircraft until the authorities are there and you can get the tests. That protects the "chain of custody".
The same should apply re any drug related accusations.
If there is any remark or suggestion of possible use of alcohol by any member of the flight crew of an airliner, the following should take place.
1) If before you leave the gate: Do not leave the gate. Stop everything, summons the authorities, advise dispatch and demand a test.
2) If you have pushed: Return to the gate, do not takeoff. Summons the authorities and have them meet you. Advise dispatch and demand a test.
3) If it happens while airborne: Advise ATC/Dispatch, have authorities meet the aircraft at the gate. Divert to the nearest suitable airport immediately. Hold the door closed until the authorities arrive. Demand a test.
4) If it happens after landing. See #2. Don't open the door until the authorities are at the airplane.
Yes, tell the passengers on your PA. You don't have to identify the passenger to the other passengers and should not. Do identify the passenger to the authorities.
Protect your career. This is not a game and there is nothing funny about such an accusation or implication. Protect yourself.
If you have a union, call your rep immediately and report the incident. Your union should demand that the Company ban the accuser from future flying on your airline.
You can't keep idiots from buy a ticket, but you can keep them from falsely accusing pilots of behavior that could destroy your career. It's real important that you not leave the aircraft until the authorities are there and you can get the tests. That protects the "chain of custody".
The same should apply re any drug related accusations.