If the two "drunks" from America West airlines are guilty...
Jul 2nd, 2002, 01:57 PM
#21
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Although they did break the rules and the law, please keep it in perspective. Remember that the alcohol limits have been reduced dramatically over the last 30 years, primarily due to political pressure, rather than scientific research. If memory serves, it used to be that you weren't supposed to drive impaired, whatever that meant, then it was .12, or .10 blood alcohol content, then it was .08. Just because their BAC was over .08 was not akin to murder or even close. Indeed, what they did may have been perfectly acceptible only a short while ago. I'm not saying we should go back in that direction, necessarily, but let's keep things in perspective. The pilots may have functioned quite well, in fact better than someone perfectly sober, so please calm down with the capital murder-type comparisons. They should be punished in a manner fitting their transgression. That said, I wouldn't want them flying my plane. I'm just a little concerned that political pressure and overreaction makes bad law. Drunk driving is stupid and dangerous and should be illegal, but how are we defining the same. At some point we'll have a .001 or similar alcohol BAC limit, which might be what one gets by gargling in the morning. Keep laws in perspective with their goals.
Jul 2nd, 2002, 04:51 PM
#25
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Peter Jennings, the ABC News anchor reported this evening that both men were FIRED by America West this afternoon. Also, the captain had previous misdemeanors for drinking, although none were for operating a vehicle. I believe the term was "drunk and disorderly". <BR><BR>Although the FAA has a guideline for drinking -- not to be done prior to 8 before flight time, America West's rule is 12 hours. The America West spokesman said that America West has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy.<BR><BR>Hopefully, these clowns will have their licenses to operate planes and automobiles revoked, and I hope that the FAA and court impose exhorbitant fines.
Jul 2nd, 2002, 06:10 PM
#28
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I don't know where you live 'xxx' (clever name) but here in the good old USA we have a system called 'due process' which safeguards the rights of individuals. This system has worked pretty well for about 226 years. Before that, the 'witch-hunt system' and the 'true monarchy system' were in favor. What rules do you subscribe to?
Jul 2nd, 2002, 06:18 PM
#29
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Since the pilot did move from the gate, although the plane remained on the ground, I am sure that the District Attorney can make a case for "moving" while intoxicated and if found guilty, have driver's license revoked. I don't know what the FAA rules are, there might not even need to be a trial to revoke the pilot's license.
Jul 2nd, 2002, 06:36 PM
#31
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Torie:<BR><BR>I thought it was pretty clever....<BR><BR>And you must be another tree hugging, earthy, crunchy, civil rights protecting liberal. Half of what is wrong with this country today. Give the bad guys their rights and screw the innocent! <BR><BR>Are you actually more worried about these pilots rights than you are about all the innocent unknowing passengers on that plane? They should be hung from the highest tree!
Jul 2nd, 2002, 08:36 PM
#34
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According to http://www.abcnews.go.com, one of the pilots, Thomas Cloyd, has been arrested before on a domestic abuse and disordly conduct, not to mention his drinking problem that he was arrested on previously. <BR>This is totally unbelievable.<BR>
Jul 3rd, 2002, 02:03 AM
#39
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I am appalled at this!!! And I too wondered if the screeners could smell it, surely the flight crew must have! And WHY didn't they say anything? Will be interested in the outcome of the investigation but this has severly shaken my confidence in pilots in general.
