Pilots arrested on suspicion of ‘drink flying’
A second pilot in three days has been arrested and charged on suspicion of being over the legal alcohol limit to fly a plane.
Two UK pilots have been arrested on suspicion of “drink-flying” in the space of three daysIan Jennings, 47, from Gosport in Hampshire, was arrested at Norwich Airport last week after landing a commercial chartered aeroplane.
Police said the charter pilot has been charged with performing an aviation function with alcohol on his breath over the legal limit.
The plane he was said to be flying was a Canadair CL601-3A Challenger, according to the Independent.
He has been released on bail and is due to appear at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on 13 November when he will face the allegation under the Railways ad Transport Safety Act 2003.
The alcohol limit for pilots, aircrew and air traffic controllers is 20mg per 100ml of blood, compared to the drink-drive limit for motorists, which is 80mg per 100ml of blood.
The second incident comes merely days after a 48-year-old pilot who had been due to fly a Flybe plane from Newquay Airport in Cornwall to London Gatwick was detained on suspicion of breaching alcohol regulations.
As a result, the flight was cancelled causing disruptions to passengers.
A spokesman for Flybe said: “Flybe can confirm that one of its pilots volunteered to help the police with their inquiries at Newquay Airport yesterday.
“The airline is not able to comment further while the police investigation is taking place.”
