A JetBlue pilot blew over twice the authorized driving restrict on a breathalyzer take a look at after he was faraway from a aircraft in Buffalo on Wednesday morning, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority confirmed to CBS Information in a press release. James Clifton, 52, was arrested and will face federal costs, the transportation authority stated.
Clifton was passing by way of airport safety on the Buffalo Airport when a TSA agent observed he "might have been impaired," the assertion stated. The agent contacted airport police, who eliminated him from the cockpit of the Fort Lauderdale-bound flight. He then blew 0.17 on a breathalyzer take a look at, authorities stated, which is greater than twice the driving authorized restrict. Pilots are thought-about not match to fly if their blood alcohol degree is over .04, in response to a brochure from the Federal Aviation Administration.
The Orlando, Florida, man was taken into custody by airport police, the assertion stated.
In a press release Wednesday night time, the FAA stated it is investigating "allegations that an airline pilot tried to report for responsibility whereas drunk."
JetBlue stated in a press release that it's conscious of the incident and is cooperating with regulation enforcement in addition to conducting its personal inside investigation. JetBlue additionally stated the particular person concerned "has been faraway from his duties."
Editor's word: This story has been up to date to make clear the authorized restrict for blood alcohol ranges.