VS Co-pilot arrested at LHR
Posted: 28 Oct 2007, 20:43Breaking BBC News story here
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Posted: 28 Oct 2007, 21:41It's sad to see something like this, of course innocent until proven guilty.
Posted: 28 Oct 2007, 21:42[V]
Nice pic of vintage VS metal[;)]
45.
Nice pic of vintage VS metal[;)]
45.
Posted: 28 Oct 2007, 21:50Are the pax on holiday routes so unpleasant that crew now need to be pie-eyed to deal with them? [:0]
Naughty, naughty...
GJ
Naughty, naughty...
GJ
Posted: 28 Oct 2007, 22:33I'd like to remain open minded about this but I think it disastrous for VS. Even if the First Officer is found to be completely innocent (as in the last allegation back in April), VS is going to get a reputation. I say VS crew and management need to tighten up - to either remove the suspiscion, or worse, and remove this perceived stain against the airline.
I'm sorry to be harsh about this but I do not want to frequent an airline that has a stain of drink allegations against it's most important employees. Let alone worry about what the consequences of any such actual behaviour might result in.
[V]
I'm sorry to be harsh about this but I do not want to frequent an airline that has a stain of drink allegations against it's most important employees. Let alone worry about what the consequences of any such actual behaviour might result in.
[V]
Posted: 28 Oct 2007, 22:51Originally posted by slinky09
Even if the First Officer is found to be completely innocent (as in the last allegation back in April), VS is going to get a reputation. [V]
For what? Sober - accused pilots?
Posted: 28 Oct 2007, 23:05Originally posted by slinky09Originally posted by JAT74L
I believe it's been proved once has it not?
I'm not aware of that ...
BTW John - dude you changed your reply after I've replied to you [:p][:p]
Posted: 29 Oct 2007, 01:35Well I am a bit tired after completing my fifth Marine Corps Marathon (and seventh marathon. (Today's time 3h59m)
BUT I recall a VS pilot being arrested at IAD a while back and a few other times. Without further analyst of hard facts, I would say VS got themselves an issue. This is the second time this has happened off the top of my mind.
BUT I recall a VS pilot being arrested at IAD a while back and a few other times. Without further analyst of hard facts, I would say VS got themselves an issue. This is the second time this has happened off the top of my mind.
Posted: 29 Oct 2007, 10:19The last time this happened the pilot was clearedhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6535517.stm Don't believe this got as much publicity as the original arrest though!
Posted: 29 Oct 2007, 14:33Originally posted by ela123
The last time this happened the pilot was clearedhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6535517.stm Don't believe this got as much publicity as the original arrest though!
Yes, but the time before that, link here to BBC News story, resulted in the chap being charged, pleading guilty and being sentenced. He resigned from VS.
So this appears to be the third such incident reported.
Posted: 29 Oct 2007, 19:30Perhaps VS should enforce compulsory breathalysing for crew - not because it's necessary, but to show that it is taking action in the media.
45.
45.
Posted: 31 Oct 2007, 23:07Virgin do actually have random testing for both drugs and alcohol.
Breathalysing however would be no good - standard police devices simply do not measure the low levels (9 microgrammes) required for flight crew. The reason for this level is interesting - the body can and does produce its own alcohol - but the highest recorded level is 8 microgrammes - thus 9 proves it has been taken! No police breathalyser can read to an accuracy of 1 microgramme - they are typically 3-4!
This explains the 'arrest' - the ONLY way that they can be tested is by blood sample - and it is standard practice that if a pilot is asked for a blood sample, he is automatically relieved from flight duties (stress!)
In fact they typically replace the whole flight crew.
If a report is made to the police, they have no option but to follow the procedure and require a blood test.
Unfortunately it just takes some i***t security 'person' to spark off such an incident.
Breathalysing however would be no good - standard police devices simply do not measure the low levels (9 microgrammes) required for flight crew. The reason for this level is interesting - the body can and does produce its own alcohol - but the highest recorded level is 8 microgrammes - thus 9 proves it has been taken! No police breathalyser can read to an accuracy of 1 microgramme - they are typically 3-4!
This explains the 'arrest' - the ONLY way that they can be tested is by blood sample - and it is standard practice that if a pilot is asked for a blood sample, he is automatically relieved from flight duties (stress!)
In fact they typically replace the whole flight crew.
If a report is made to the police, they have no option but to follow the procedure and require a blood test.
Unfortunately it just takes some i***t security 'person' to spark off such an incident.
Posted: 03 Nov 2007, 10:41I have heard the poor blokes blood test has proved him innocent. now waiting for the massive press campaign to broadcast this fact.
Posted: 03 Nov 2007, 11:08If it is right, that is good news, barfly. Do you have a source?
Nick
Nick
Posted: 03 Nov 2007, 11:18Horse's mouth. Virgin pilot enjoying beer and chat in local pub last night. We discussed possible compensation for being marched off plane in front of J passengers in handcuffs.
Posted: 03 Nov 2007, 11:21Thanks. [y]
Posted: 03 Nov 2007, 13:32Originally posted by barfly
Horse's mouth. Virgin pilot enjoying beer and chat in local pub last night. We discussed possible compensation for being marched off plane in front of J passengers in handcuffs.
10K miles in his FC account probably [:w]
Posted: 03 Nov 2007, 14:24And a pair of V-Flyer hot pants.
GJ
GJ
Posted: 24 Nov 2007, 01:20Now been completely cleared
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread ... 100&page=5
Internal Statement released on company intranet:
Summarising.... 'following the results of his blood test, no offence was committed, no charges will be brought. The pilot is now expected to resume his duties.'
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread ... 100&page=5
Internal Statement released on company intranet:
Summarising.... 'following the results of his blood test, no offence was committed, no charges will be brought. The pilot is now expected to resume his duties.'
Posted: 24 Nov 2007, 01:59I'm sure that pilot is raising a glass to his good fortune!
GJ
GJ
Posted: 24 Nov 2007, 07:483 weeks suspension due to some security p***t low-life!
Major press headlines about drunken pilots.
Not much cause for celebration.
Major press headlines about drunken pilots.
Not much cause for celebration.
Posted: 24 Nov 2007, 10:32The BBC are now running the 'Pilot Cleared' story as well.
I wonder if the tabloid press and internet groups who had him found guilty and convicted, without a shred of evidence will be running large profile apology stories? I somehow doubt it. [V][n]
I am normally the last person to advocate going to law, because we have already created a horrible compensation culture but, in this case, I agree with the poster in the pprune thread. I hope SRB, or the pilot's union, fund the pilot to issue as many writs as possible.
Nick
I wonder if the tabloid press and internet groups who had him found guilty and convicted, without a shred of evidence will be running large profile apology stories? I somehow doubt it. [V][n]
I am normally the last person to advocate going to law, because we have already created a horrible compensation culture but, in this case, I agree with the poster in the pprune thread. I hope SRB, or the pilot's union, fund the pilot to issue as many writs as possible.
Nick