Pilot accused of flying drunk on US flight
As reported here on Friday 18 March: Gold Coast Breaking News :: News | goldcoast.com.au | Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
A UNITED Express pilot has been accused of flying drunk on a 2009 flight from Texas to Denver.
XYZ, of N, Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver in relation to the flight from Austin on December 8, 2009,
The Denver Post said.
The US Attorney's office in Denver said the 32-year-old was the first officer, or co-pilot, on United Express Flight 7687, operated by Shuttle America.
The airline reportedly received a tip that Mr Cope was flying while intoxicated.
The indictment says he "unlawfully operated and directed the operation of a common carrier while under the influence of alcohol".
If convicted, Mr Z faces up to 15 years in jail and a fine of up to $250,000.
"The message this case sends is simple: Pilots who drink and fly will be prosecuted and face incarceration," US Attorney John Walsh said.
Shuttle America is a subsidiary of Indianapolis-based Republic Airways Holdings, which also owns Frontier Airlines.
Read more at
The Denver Post.