Southwest pilot removed from cockpit and booked for DUI

CBS News reported that a Southwest Airlines pilot had been removed from the cockpit before a flight on Wednesday from Georgia to Chicago. He was charged with driving under the influence.

Source: David Paul Allsop smelled like alcohol and showed other signs of intoxication. Airport police in Savannah took him away before flight 3772 from Savannah to Chicago’s Midway Airport tookoff.

Southwest Airlines’ spokesperson confirmed that the employee had been removed from duty. We apologized for disrupting their travel plans and accommodated the customers on other flights. Southwest is committed to the safety of our employees and customers.

According to records from the jail, Allsop was released on bond after his bail was set at $3500.

The Federal Aviation Administration states that airline employees will be “removed” from performing safety-sensitive functions if the breath alcohol concentration on the required alcohol test is 0.04 or higher, or if the employee violates the rule by drinking alcohol. The Federal Aviation Administration also removes them from performing these functions temporarily if they register a breath alcohol concentration between 0.02 and 0.039 in a required alcohol testing.

Officials have not disclosed information about Allsop’s blood or breath alcohol concentration.

According to FAA regulations, pilots cannot consume alcohol within eight-hours of flying. However, the FAA recommends a more conservative approach of waiting 24 hours after the last alcohol consumption before flying.

According to the FAA, “Anything that interferes with the ability of the pilot to perform required tasks while operating an aircraft is a disaster waiting to happen.” Alcohol is a major stressor that shouldn’t be allowed in the cockpit. It is entirely within the pilot’s power to make this decision.

The FAA also requires random alcohol testing for pilots each year. CBS News has contacted the FAA to get more information about the tests.