Jet Blue Pilot Removed from Cockpit on Suspicion of Being Drunk, Twice Over Legal Limit
A JetBlue pilot was pulled from the cockpit after he was reported to be drunk and twice over the legal limit, and four times over the pilot’s limit!
The piot was identified as James Clifton, and he was removed from the cockpit of a plane in Buffalo, New York, per the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority on Wednesday. The flight was headed to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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According to NBC News, a TSA official said that the pilot seemed impaired while he was going through the security checks. He later admitted to having 8 drinks prior to his flight.
“We adhere to all DOT rules and requirements concerning alcohol at all times and have a very strict zero-tolerance internal alcohol policy,” a statement JetBlue read. “The safety of JetBlue’s customers and crewmembers is our first priority. We adhere to all DOT rules and requirements concerning alcohol at all times and have a very strict zero tolerance internal alcohol policy.”
Clifton was taken into custody after his breathalyzer test was taken and he could now face federal charges.
Please see our statement below regarding the JetBlue pilot removed from a flight at @BUFAirport: pic.twitter.com/mVc3rzrlAw
— NFTA Newsroom (@NFTANewsroom) March 2, 2022