Delta Pilot Shows Up to Work Drunk
Every time a member of the public sets foot on a passenger plane, they trust the pilots and crew to safely guide them to their destination.
Source: Wikimedia
However, according to The New York Times, Lawrence B. Russell Jr., a 63-year-old Delta pilot, breached this trust when he showed up to a routine shift still partially drunk from the night before.
Russell Scheduled to Fly From Edinburgh to New York
On the morning of June 16 last year, Russell was scheduled to sit in the cockpit of a passenger jet leaving from Edinburgh’s International Airport.
Source: Freepik
The Delta pilot was set to fly the Boeing 767 across the Atlantic to New York City’s Kennedy International Airport, per a statement released by the Judiciary of Scotland. However, upon arriving at the gate, problems began to arise for Russell.
Problems Begin to Arise for the Delta Pilot
When the pilot arrived at baggage control dressed in his Delta uniform, he expected the situation to go as usual.
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But this was not the case. First, his bag was rejected after an X-ray machine flagged a bottle of liquor, per CNN.
Half Open Bottle of Jägermeister in Delta Pilot’s Suitcase
When officials opened the pilot’s suitcase, they found several bottles of Jägermeister.
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According to Sheriff Alison Stirling, who sentenced the Delta pilot in mid-March, one of the German digestif bottles was already open and “just under half full.”
Delta Pilot Admits to Drinking Evening Before
When asked about the contents of his luggage, the pilot admitted he had a few drinks the evening before.
Source: Freepik
Officials at the airport then carried out a breath test, which Russel failed, leading to his arrest.
Blood Test Reveals Delta Pilot Was Over Twice the Flying Limit
The reading of the Breathalyzer revealed that in 100 milliliters of blood, the Delta pilot had “not less than” 49 milligrams of alcohol, according to The New York Times.
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As the pilots’ limit is 20 milligrams, Russell was well over twice the legal limit for flying.
Delta Pilot Charged and Sentenced
Following his arrest, Russel was charged later that day in June with attempting to fly a passenger jet under the influence.
Source: Freepik
According to a statement at the time, the Delta pilot was quoted as having said, “I’m terrified.”
Not the Delta Pilot's First Time Caught Under the Influence
Russel was previously charged with driving under the influence back in 1985.
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He was later released on probation. The future pilot was diagnosed with severe alcohol use disorder but went on to complete a recovery program in Georgia and entered into remission.
Former Delta Pilot Sentenced to 10 Months in Prison
Russell pleaded guilty to his crimes on March 19 and was sentenced to 10 months in prison.
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Once released, the former pilot hopes to apply for a new medical certificate, which would allow him to be reinstated as a Delta pilot, says Stirling.
Delta Air Lines Spokesperson Shares Thoughts on Drunk Pilot
Delta Air Lines spokesperson Anthony Black revealed in an email that the company was aware of the situation.
Source: Freepik
He said the company is “aware of this incident and removed the pilot from service while conducting a thorough investigation in coordination with Scottish authorities” (via The New York Times). However, he provided no further comments.
Sheriff Feels Some Remorse for Delta Pilot
The Delta pilot pleaded guilty during the early stages of his case, a factor Sheriff Stirling considered when determining his sentence.
Source: Freepik
However, she went on to say that “custody is the only appropriate disposal, having regard to the serious nature of your offending.”