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Flying Lawyer
17th Jun 2003, 00:35
BBC News report

Police are investigating reports of drunk and disorderly behaviour on board the helicopter service from the Isles of Scilly.
Staff at British International helicopters in Penzance called police to the heliport at around 1900 BST on Friday. Nine people were detained overnight at Camborne police station and one was released on police bail.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39162000/jpg/_39162272_scillyhelicopter_203.jpg

Police were called when they tried to open a window on the Sikorski helicopter while it was in mid-air. They had already been barred from ordering alcoholic drinks at the airport bar at St Mary's. The arrested men were part of a 15-strong group who were celebrating a 21st birthday.

The aircraft was met by police as it landed at Penzance. The men, all in their 20s or early 30s and from Cornwall, were arrested under the Aviation Security Act and could face jail if they are charged with endangering the aircraft.

Devon and Cornwall police spokesman WPC Sharon Newman said inquiries suggested the men were in a group who had been drinking on St Mary's earlier in the day. She said: "During the flight 10 men allegedly became disorderly and attempted to release one of the emergency window pulls and minor damage was caused to the window."

18th Jun 2003, 03:21
It might have been a good idea not to let them onto the flight at all!
Sadly the British public think they have a God-given right to get tanked up and then get into an aircraft where they are not only a hazard to themselves but everyone else, especially if the aircraft ditches.

Maybe a suitable punishment for these w**kers would be a trip to the dunker - they might just realise that escaping from a submerged helicopter is not something you would want to do pissed.

Wunper
18th Jun 2003, 16:56
Crab

What an excellent Idea!

One thing it does highlight in a way is just how accepted and "routine" the Silly Bus has become regarded by the local Janner populus. There are no excuses however for being either drunk or rowdy in or near any flying machines. Well done to the crew for ensuring it ended as it did.

Wunper

Cyclic Hotline
20th Jun 2003, 05:30
Thank God it's only the pax!

I saw the topic and thought it was the "professionals" in the industry that were under review! :8