On Sunday, a United Airlines pilot who was allegedly drunk when he showed up to fly from Paris to Washington, D.C., was removed from the service.
According to French media, the pilot identified as “Henry W.” aged 63, was given a suspended six-month prison sentence, a fine, and his license was suspended for one year.
Le Parisien announced Wednesday that the pilot’s blood alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit established by the Federal Aviation Administration.
According to the FAA, violations of their drug and alcohol testing regulations include those who use alcohol while on duty. This includes pilots who have consumed alcohol up to eight hours before reporting for duty. It also includes those who consume alcohol within eight hours of an accident.
The safety of our crew and customers is our number one priority. United has a strict alcohol policy and holds all employees to the highest standard.
The document stated that “This employee has been immediately removed from our service, and we are cooperating fully with the local authorities.”
The report said that the flight was heading to Washington Dulles Airport.
