Drunken Airline Pilot

A British Airways pilot was removed from a packed plane just moments before take-off amid fears he was drunk, according to reports.

The Boeing 777 flight to Mauritius on Thursday was delayed and the pilot replaced, BA confirmed.

Staff allegedly called police and reported that they could smell alcohol on the pilot and were worried about the safety for passengers on the flight.

The 11-hour flight was expected to leave Gatwick Airport at 8.20pm, but was reportedly delayed until 10.56 pm in order for a replacement pilot to be found.

An airline source told the Sun: "Cops rushed on to the plane and headed straight for the cockpit. The first officer was cuffed and led away."

A British Airways spokesperson said: “We're taking this matter extremely seriously and are assisting the police with their inquiries.

“We are sorry for the delay to our customers. The aircraft remained at the gate until an alternative third pilot joined the flight crew.

“The safety and security of our customers and crew is always our top priority”.

Speaking to The Sun, Sussex Police said that they were called to the airport’s South Terminal Gate 17 at 8.25pm and arrested a 49 year-old man from Harmondsworth, West London, who remains in custody.

What the hell's going on?..as if it wasn't scary enough flying these days

Re: Drunken Airline Pilot

Unbelievable! Maybe all pilots should be tested before they get anywhere near a plane.

Re: Drunken Airline Pilot

I am bloody outraged..honest I really am

Re: Drunken Airline Pilot

What a worry!
How could anyone with a responsibility like that do such a thing!

Re: Drunken Airline Pilot

Aye right..Ye cheeky bugger

But thank You kindly Folks...One reason I very rarely start serious threads is the fear No-one will respond because it's so boring

Re: Drunken Airline Pilot

I am not sure but isn’t there something in cabin crew contracts about not drinking alcohol prior to a flight, something like 12 hours?

Re: Drunken Airline Pilot

Hope he gets his license revoked at the very least.

Re: Drunken Airline Pilot

That's what I thought .
Google tells me The FAA prohibits the ingestion of any alcohol within 8 hours of flying as a pilot crew member, be it general or commercial aviation. For most of us who are not heavy and regular drinkers, if we follow the 8 hours rule, we would assume that we should not generally be busting the 0.04% rule.

Re: Drunken Airline Pilot

That's worrying, odd too as many of the airlines using Heathrow own flats around Woking area so pilots don't have to drive too far to work. They always seem very careful of the pilots health and welfare.

Re: Drunken Airline Pilot

Was the pilot scheduled to fly this plane? For all we know he might have been off duty and enjoying a few drinks to relax and then called in at the last minute.