Another in the continuing series...
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Flight Grounded, Pilot Sent Home
Story by Alice Stewart Posted 1/27/2003 9:05:48 PM
The Transportation Security Administration is investigating a pilot scheduled to fly out of Little Rock Monday morning. That flight was cancelled though, after a federal screener said the pilot's breath smelled of alcohol. News 4 Arkansas learned that American Airlines is not taking any disciplinary action against pilot Craig Bott, but that doesn't mean that his actions didn't cause concern for the TSA.
45-year-old American Airlines Pilot, Craig Bott, made it as far as the passenger screening station at Little Rock National. A screener with the Transportation Security Administration called Little Rock Police. According to police reports, the screener smelled alcohol on Bott's breath, his eyes were bloodshot and glassy, and police say Bott was advised by his supervisor not to cooperate with authorities. "The officers, when they questioned him, he began eating breath mints. The TSA notified there was something not right about the person," explains Sergeant Terry Hastings, of the Little Rock Police Department.
The flight to Saint Louis was cancelled, and passengers boarded another plane. Police say Bott failed two field sobriety tests, then was taken in for a blood alcohol test. "He registered .004 on BAC."
According to federal regulations, no person can act as a crewmember within eight hours after consuming alcohol, while under the influence of alcohol, or while having .04 blood alcohol content. Even though Bott was well below the limit, passengers say the TSA did the right thing. "Any amount of alcohol is too much, considering the number of lives in their hands," says Rauzelle Smith, who appreciates the safety measures.
Lisa McRae, who appreciates the safety measures, tells News 4 Arkansas, "small amount, any amount, we need to know those things."
Bott is based out of Saint Louis. American says they have reviewed the facts and will not take action against him. As for why, they wouldn't say, but they did say they appreciated the diligence on the part of the TSA. Director of the TSA in Little rock, Jerry Henderson, says screeners are trained observers. If they notice anything unusual, they are required to get law enforcement involved right away.
http://www.kark.com/karktv/news/stor...w&Storyid=5634
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Pilot Stopped After Alcohol Detected
By Associated Press
January 27, 2003, 10:29 PM EST
LITTLE ROCK -- An American Airlines pilot was kept from boarding his flight Monday after agents at a security checkpoint smelled alcohol and mint on his breath.
The pilot's blood-alcohol content was 0.004 percent -- well below the legal limit of 0.04 percent for operating a plane under FAA guidelines and below the 0.02 percent level set by American Airlines, police said.
The pilot, who was not charged, was not permitted to fly the St. Louis-bound flight.
Passengers were delayed about three hours.
A police report said the pilot took part in a field sobriety test but initially refused a blood-alcohol test. One was later performed at the county jail.
American Airlines spokesman Todd Burke said the airline would work with federal and local authorities if more action is needed.
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationwo...tion-headlines