(Another) Pilot fired after alcohol test is positive

UPI ^ | 8/13/2002

[martin_fierro]

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Mesa Airlines said Tuesday that one of its pilots was fired after testing positive for alcohol last Friday just before he was to take the cockpit of a scheduled flight from Little Rock to Charlotte, N.C.

The 29-year-old captain was terminated Monday night after the completion of an investigation by the Phoenix-based airline, said Brian Gillman, vice president and general counsel for the company.

"We have a very strict zero tolerance policy," he said.

The first officer and a flight attendant were also tested and those results were negative, Gillman said. The first officer was suspended, and he is under investigation, but the flight attendant has left the company because of a prior resignation, he said.

Security officials contacted Mesa when one of the screeners detected what smelled like alcohol as the crew arrived for the flight. The airline had the crew tested in Little Rock and then flown back to Phoenix during the weekend, Gillman said.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident, according to FAA spokesman John Clabes in Oklahoma City.

In an incident in Miami last month, two America West pilots were removed from their plane after screeners said they smelled alcohol. The pilots pleaded innocent to charges of being drunk while operating an aircraft and face a trial in October.

Copyright © 2002 United Press International

[martin_fierro]

Did a search & didn't see this one posted.

[1tin_soldier]

"We have a very strict zero tolerance policy," he said.

As opposed to a not-so-strict zero tolerance policy? A strict no tolerance policy would hook up those little breathalyzer/ignition switches in the cockpit like boozers have in their cars. And while we're at it, how's about the same for senators and congressmen? "To vote, first blow here....."

p.s.--Hey, meester, how's your seester?

[Enemy of the NWO]

The FAA issued a new security measure starting January 1, 2000. On every flight over two hours the pilots will have their picture taken every 15 minutes to make sure they are alert and in place. Here is a picture of some pilots adhering to the new security check.