American Eagle pilot removed in MSP
01-07-2013 | 06:38 AM
#81
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From: B757/767
How do we know he "felt drunk"? Some people build such a tolerance, that even at levels beyond legal driving limits, they don't feel intoxicated. That's a scary reality in our world. There are functioning alcoholics in every profession.
01-07-2013 | 06:45 AM
#82
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 447
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From: More Drag
I've long been a proponent of required breathalyzer tests at security checkpoints for all airline personnel. It's not just a problem with pilots and alcohol consumption, I've seen many a FA with the problem and had a ramper push me me back from the gate that was slurring something awful over the headset.
If we are to ever full regain passengers' trust in our profession and once and for all remove the black cloud of the "drunk pilot" at the airport lounge, we need to take a hardline approach to the subject. Require anyone checking in for work for the day (whether ramper, FA, or pilot) to blow in a breathalyzer at the security checkpoint. If you blow over the .04, you're pulled instantly. I'm sorry, I'd rather hurt a few feelings and take the extra 30-seconds to blow than be on a plane with a person who is intoxicated and may not be able to function to the best of their abilities should an issue arise.
I'm sure this method will be met with strong resistance, but really how hard is it to not drink before having to fly? Hell, I don't even have a drink on layovers because I don't want to exacerbate the public perception of the drunk pilot. I'll save my drinking for when I'm at home watching the game.
If we are to ever full regain passengers' trust in our profession and once and for all remove the black cloud of the "drunk pilot" at the airport lounge, we need to take a hardline approach to the subject. Require anyone checking in for work for the day (whether ramper, FA, or pilot) to blow in a breathalyzer at the security checkpoint. If you blow over the .04, you're pulled instantly. I'm sorry, I'd rather hurt a few feelings and take the extra 30-seconds to blow than be on a plane with a person who is intoxicated and may not be able to function to the best of their abilities should an issue arise.
I'm sure this method will be met with strong resistance, but really how hard is it to not drink before having to fly? Hell, I don't even have a drink on layovers because I don't want to exacerbate the public perception of the drunk pilot. I'll save my drinking for when I'm at home watching the game.
Holy He!! !! STRONG Resistance? You better believe it. From every red-blooded free American that I know of. 100% crew BA tests when coming thru checkpoints, are you insane?
For that matter, lets install BAC ignition interlock devices on all cars and have routine DUI checkpoints all over the place to curb drinking and driving!
It's called the 4th Ammendment, a large and very important constitutional right I might add. Unlawful or unreasonable search and seizure. Everything you just mentioned is contrary to the US constitution. Yeah, we need to trample that some more, huh?
I'm all for preventing and punishing and helping those who break the rules, but what you suggest is not that of a free America.
You're right up there with taking away law abiding citizens guns to prevent school shootings.
01-07-2013 | 06:46 AM
#83
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: B757/767
Why sure. Let’s all give the guy a pat on the back for stepping into the cockpit under the influence of alcohol. He had no clue he had been drinking or that he might be under the influence of alcohol, right?
I can recognize symptoms of diseases/illnesses such as a headache, a cold, or other symptoms. There are some tell tale symptoms/signs after all with any illness/disease. He made the decision to deny his signs/symptoms.
IMHO: Choosing to ignore your illness or its symptoms/signs is no excuse period! Especially when lives are a t stake!
I can recognize symptoms of diseases/illnesses such as a headache, a cold, or other symptoms. There are some tell tale symptoms/signs after all with any illness/disease. He made the decision to deny his signs/symptoms.
IMHO: Choosing to ignore your illness or its symptoms/signs is no excuse period! Especially when lives are a t stake!
Point being, many alcoholics have such a high tolerance that they don't feel under the influence at levels other individuals would. I hope this individual gets into HIMS, & receives the help he needs to get his life back on track. Personally I'm more concerned for his well being and family then his job.
01-07-2013 | 07:01 AM
#84
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Body at sea level; heart at 70,000+
Once had a USAF Wing Commander (Colonel) stand up at Commanders Call and announce "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am an alcoholic and unfit for command." Nobody had a clue. He was relieved and transferred to the USAF rehabilitation center in Colorado. We all "snickered" (wrongly) and said to each other , "His career is over." A shame because he was one of the best commanders I had ever worked for. Two years later I read his name on the Brigadier Generals promotion list. It proved to me that once admitted and help sought, an individual can recover "gracefully."
01-07-2013 | 07:02 AM
#85
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 34
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Holy He!! !! STRONG Resistance? You better believe it. From every red-blooded free American that I know of. 100% crew BA tests when coming thru checkpoints, are you insane?
For that matter, lets install BAC ignition interlock devices on all cars and have routine DUI checkpoints all over the place to curb drinking and driving!
It's called the 4th Ammendment, a large and very important constitutional right I might add. Unlawful or unreasonable search and seizure. Everything you just mentioned is contrary to the US constitution. Yeah, we need to trample that some more, huh?
I'm all for preventing and punishing and helping those who break the rules, but what you suggest is not that of a free America.
You're right up there with taking away law abiding citizens guns to prevent school shootings.
For that matter, lets install BAC ignition interlock devices on all cars and have routine DUI checkpoints all over the place to curb drinking and driving!
It's called the 4th Ammendment, a large and very important constitutional right I might add. Unlawful or unreasonable search and seizure. Everything you just mentioned is contrary to the US constitution. Yeah, we need to trample that some more, huh?
I'm all for preventing and punishing and helping those who break the rules, but what you suggest is not that of a free America.
You're right up there with taking away law abiding citizens guns to prevent school shootings.
We already have to go through security checkpoints, which one could argue is an illegal search and seizure under the Constitution, what's adding one more element to that initial security screening?
I'm all for it. If it saves one plane from crashing, or one ramper from getting in an accident and dying, then to me it was well worth it.
01-07-2013 | 07:15 AM
#86
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,169
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From: Volleyball Player
I'm sure this method will be met with strong resistance, but really how hard is it to not drink before having to fly? Hell, I don't even have a drink on layovers because I don't want to exacerbate the public perception of the drunk pilot. I'll save my drinking for when I'm at home watching the game.
01-07-2013 | 07:17 AM
#87
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,169
Likes: 97
From: Volleyball Player
I hope that he gets his life back on track, but unfortunately having a job and being able to survive is a big part of life. Would people feel the same if it was coccain or meth that he was abusing, instead of alcohol? Just questions, not judgments....
01-07-2013 | 07:36 AM
#88
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: 777 Captain in Training
And that's exactly the issue with alcoholics! MANY TIMES THEY DON'T KNOW WHEN OR HOW TO "SET THE MUG DOWN." No different than any other addict who can't stop.
I'm not judging this pilot either. If it turns out he's not alcoholic and drank irresponsibly, that's another issue and I agree with your above statement. But if he is one, I really wish all of you who have never understood this disease inform yourselves on how difficult it is to catch it in time.
I'm not judging this pilot either. If it turns out he's not alcoholic and drank irresponsibly, that's another issue and I agree with your above statement. But if he is one, I really wish all of you who have never understood this disease inform yourselves on how difficult it is to catch it in time.
01-07-2013 | 07:38 AM
#89
New Hire
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1
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From: C-17 Right seat
Tagging the military for exacerbating the problem? That is bold given the amount of experience, professionalism and self-sacrifice they bring. Binge drinking military balls? Are you kidding? Those tides turned years ago. Now just a time for guys to kiss a** to get a better assignment from leadership.
01-07-2013 | 07:42 AM
#90
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: 777 Captain in Training
How is my suggestion any more invasive to the Constitution than the FAA mandated random drug and alcohol screenings? Wouldn't you classify those as unreasonable under the 4th Amendment? But the courts have ruled that they are legal and applied correctly, so I don't really see how extrapolating the random checks to mandatory screenings is any worse.
We already have to go through security checkpoints, which one could argue is an illegal search and seizure under the Constitution, what's adding one more element to that initial security screening?
I'm all for it. If it saves one plane from crashing, or one ramper from getting in an accident and dying, then to me it was well worth it.
We already have to go through security checkpoints, which one could argue is an illegal search and seizure under the Constitution, what's adding one more element to that initial security screening?
I'm all for it. If it saves one plane from crashing, or one ramper from getting in an accident and dying, then to me it was well worth it.
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