US Pilots indicted for accident in Brazil!!!

[igneousy2]

(Brazil - WABC, June 1, 2007) - A court spokesman says two American pilots have been indicted on manslaughter-related charges in Brazil's worst-ever airline crash.
The two pilots, from Long Island, were involved in a September 29, 2006 collision between an executive jet and a Gol Airlines Boeing 737.
The crash killed 154 people.
Joseph Lepore and Jan Paladino spent more than two months in a hotel while officials investigated their role in the incident. They were eventually released on the stipulation that they would return if criminal charges were filed.
Lepore, of Bay Shore, and Paladino, of Westhampton Beach, were flying a small plane that clipped the wings of the Brazilian Gol airliner.
Brazilian authorities had seized the pilots' passports, and while the men were not under arrest, they chose to remain in their Rio de Janeiro hotel.
The pilots contend they were cleared by controllers to fly at 37,000 feet. None of the seven people aboard the private Legacy jet, owned by Excel-Aire of Ronkonkoma was hurt.
Brazilian prosecutors determined in early May that the Long Island pilots were responsible for the crash. Officials described the actual charge as exposing and aircraft to danger resulting in death, which they said was akin to involuntary manslaughter.

 

[igneousy2]

I better see ALPA step up to the plate on this one or I will have lost the remaining faith that I have. I wish I was supposed to fly to Brazil - so that I could refuse to fly to Brazil.

Later

 

[Windsor]

I wouldnt go back. Unless they were drunk or high, it is not a criminal offense.

 

[StopNTSing]

A travesty of justice! Anyone know what other Brazilian goods/services us consumers can start boycotting in protest? Hope Brazil doesn't have extradition rights with the US...

 

[hawk996]

We can start by boycotting products from Brazil, Don't take delivery of Embraer Aircraft. All orders should be put on hold or canceled! The aircraft have faulty parts installed and are delivered with inop systems or write ups. The E-190/E-170/E-145 have had issues since day one. If anything, have Embraer fly the aircraft into US airspace and take delivery on our soil.

ALPA will do "NOTHING"! These two pilots are hero's, they saved not only there lives but the others that were in the back and on the ground. Hero's shouldn't go to jail.

 

[McNugget]

With George W. getting cozy with Brazil over ethanol, don't expect anybody from the U.S. guvment to help these pilots.

 

[thruthemurk]

I better see ALPA step up to the plate on this one or I will have lost the remaining faith that I have. I wish I was supposed to fly to Brazil - so that I could refuse to fly to Brazil.

Later

How do you figure ALPA is remotely involved witht corporate flying?

While I do agree that these guys need all the help they can get - this seems like a typical "get something for nothing" response. Were these guys organized? Paying dues? Electing reps and attending meetings?

 

[PA31Driver]

How do you figure ALPA is remotely involved witht corporate flying?

While I do agree that these guys need all the help they can get - this seems like a typical "get something for nothing" response. Were these guys organized? Paying dues? Electing reps and attending meetings?

Yes you are right about these guys not being organized and paying dues. But this issue affects ALL pilots. It could very well have been American or Delta or any other scheduled carrier. So, APLA should and must get involved.

 

[ACWild]

How do you figure ALPA is remotely involved witht corporate flying?

While I do agree that these guys need all the help they can get - this seems like a typical "get something for nothing" response. Were these guys organized? Paying dues? Electing reps and attending meetings?

As I understand it, both of these pilots were furloughed from ALPA carriers. Although it may be a stretch, the fact that U.S. pilots could get put in this situation is a big deal to any of us who may fly down there. It just happened to be a corporate jet this time. Jmho.

 

[Bob_Sacamano]

deleted

 

[Bob_Sacamano]

The United Auto Workers better step up to the plate too. Since these two guys AREN'T AIRLINE PILOTS ALPA doesn't have a dog in this fight. So the UAW, or the NEA are just as relevant. I find it hysterical that you could even consider blaming ALPA for inaction in this case.

I better see ALPA step up to the plate on this one or I will have lost the remaining faith that I have. I wish I was supposed to fly to Brazil - so that I could refuse to fly to Brazil.

Later

 

[Bob_Sacamano]

Another "voice of experience" piping in from the peanut gallery...

Yes you are right about these guys not being organized and paying dues. But this issue affects ALL pilots. It could very well have been American or Delta or any other scheduled carrier. So, APLA should and must get involved.

 

[Jonny Sacko]

Ya, honestly man, ALPA?

How about NBAA, and AOPA. ALPA should fire you, if they can.

 

[goodgig]

I have not done any research.
Were they cleared to/ through 370?

 

[Brasgaucho]

I have not done any research.
Were they cleared to/ through 370?

http://js.biztravelife.com/Submissions.pdf

 

[Draginass]

This is what happens when a *hit-hole 4th world country and their corrupt legal system want to scapegoat national of another country for incompetence, dishonesty, and corruption on their own part. ALPA should get involved as flying in Brazil can now be considered systemic safety hazard and a danger to your personal freedom.

 

[27 driver]

I know I would not go back. US citizens will have no legal rights down there. They will end up in a Brazillian prison if they return. Good luck to both of them.

 

[goodgig]

Wow.
That is amazing. They should not go back.
I do not see any way a case could be made, but it sounds like their minds are made up already.

 

[~~~^~~~]

I'm all for a Brazil boycott. Giving up Brazillian waxes makes more sense than Freedom Fries.

Really - the US State Department needs to get involved in this mess.

 

[jhwk0309]

Have any of you ever seen a Brazilian prison first hand? It surely makes any big house here look like a Sandal's Resort. Trust me on this one. I've seen them. If you want to see a good "Hollywood" representation of one then watch the following movie Carandiru--http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808466450/info