Gadling

The Author makes two comments:

1. Pilots would be intoxicated for the flight - Whilst not condoning the actions there is no information of when they were supposed to next fly. Yes the minimum time for alcohol consumption is 8 hrs [.04 blood alcohol level] their next rip may have been 28 or 36 hours away? That is like saying no one can party on Saturday as they have work on Monday. This is typical sensationalist press jumping on things without the full facts. For that reason and that reason alone airlines do not detain pilots [under the assumption of intoxication] until they have physically entered the cockpit with the intent to carry out their duties. Drinking in a restaurant is not against the Federal Aviation Regulations. Their are multiple checks in place including random drug and alcohol tests wich must cover 25% of the work force each quarter who are in sensative positions.

2. The second point he mentioned was the age limit of the Captain. The guy clearly shows imaturity, that I have to agree, so how did he become an airline pilot? Simple, the regional airlines have pathetic pay, you simply get what you pay for. The public have very little notion of how much these guys are paid, First Officers typically start around $24,000 to live in some of the most cosmopolitan cities, thus those that are single tend to share apartments [and beds if diferent schedules] to be able to survive. Intersting thought, if a surgeon makes a mistake, one persons life is at risk, if the First Officer or Captain makes a mistake, not only are the souls onboard the aircraft at risk but anyone on the ground. Sobering thought. May be we should have minimum wages for all airline crews to attract professionalism and promote safety. If you pay a chimp peanuts, expect only a chimp!

Safe flying

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