Delta Pilot Faces Charges After Getting Drunk Before A NYC-Bound Flight

A Delta pilot found himself in legal trouble after being arrested for being intoxicated shortly before a flight from Scotland to New York City.  The incident occurred on Friday when the 61-year-old veteran pilot was apprehended just after the passengers had boarded the aircraft.  Charges were filed against him under the UK’s Railways and Transport Safety Act of 2003, which imposes strict restrictions on alcohol consumption for crew members.

According to the law, airline staff must not exceed 20 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood, while drivers in Scotland are allowed a limit of 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood.

An official spokesperson for Delta confirmed the incident, stating, “Delta confirms that one of its crew was taken into custody [Friday] morning at EDI Airport.” The airline is fully cooperating with the authorities in their ongoing investigation. As a result of the pilot’s arrest, the Delta flight from Edinburgh to JFK scheduled for June 16 was canceled, and affected customers are being provided alternative travel arrangements. The spokesperson also extended apologies to the impacted passengers.

Furthermore, Delta emphasized its stringent alcohol policy, asserting that it has zero tolerance for violations. The company’s policy is regarded as one of the strictest in the industry.

The pilot is set to make an appearance at the Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday to face the charges against him.