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Southwest Airlines suspends, reinstates pilot after profanity-laced rant
Southwest Airlines confirms that it suspended a pilot who was caught ranting over air traffic control channels in a profane, misogynistic and homophobic manner. The event, originally reported by CBS 2 in Houston, states that the pilot's speech on March 25 tied up frequencies for other pilots in the area.CBS 2 (see the video reporting on the incident) says the unidentified pilot "could be heard talking to his co-pilot in the cockpit, expressing frustration over the airline hiring so many flight attendants that he found to be unsuitable for dating." "A continuous stream of gays and grannies and grandes," the pilot could be heard saying from the cockpit via the Houston Center air traffic control frequency.
Apparently, the pilot didn't take into account that he himself might not be date-able (he complains that he couldn't get laid because women he took to a bar just wanted to complain). He also ignored an air traffic controller who tried to interrupt the rant at several points. [Listen to the audio here]
The pilot bemoans his station in Houston, saying that the base has "just a handful of cute chicks."
CBS 2 reported that air traffic control sent the tape to the Federal Aviation Administration, who in turn forwarded the tape to Southwest Airlines for review. The FAA confirmed that the conversation did take place at a time when personal conversations were permitted in the cockpit.
Southwest issued an e-mail statement to CBS2, stating: "we've built our Company's reputation on the Golden Rule: treating others as you would like to be treated. The actions of this pilot are, without question, inconsistent with the professional behavior and overall respect that we require from our Employees." The pilot was suspended without pay, but has been allowed to return to duty after undergoing diversity training.
What do you think? Is Southwest that short on pilots that this one should have been allowed to return?
[USA Today also reported on this issue.]
[Flickr via Kevin Coles]
Filed under: Stories, Airlines, Consumer Activism
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 5)
Gustav Jun 22nd 2011 1:23PM
It's not homophobia, it's homonausea. Gays don't scare the guy, they just make him sick...
CJ Jun 22nd 2011 1:26PM
I'm afraid of people who cannot spell!!!
Tony Jun 22nd 2011 10:16PM
UH ms joey for YOUR information if your making a statement about something and that statement is 'negative' then odds are that such comment means your either 'afraid of ' not in agreement with or otherwise just NOT happy with whatever you commented on. His comment in that context means that he does NOT approve of not only the gays but the grannies and grandads that are being hired. As such his comment is 'uncalled' for as the airline personnel are NOT for his perusal for dating or otherwise.
Benwa Jun 22nd 2011 6:20PM
Guess you are just an over-educated, prissy cant.
Frankie Jun 23rd 2011 9:33AM
This pilot may not be exactly anti-gay. He seems to be just expressing that the hiring of gay men as flight attendants instead of single, heterosexual women cuts down the size of his dating pool. What's frightening is that this man who is holding the lives of hundreds of people in his hands day after day seems more interested in his dating life than in flying his airplane. He sounds like a first-class cry baby. No wonder he has no luck with women.
chris Jun 23rd 2011 9:42AM
It's a fear of facing the truth about themselves, actually.
ken Jun 22nd 2011 1:03PM
Why should you be allowed to make my flight uncomfortable and encroach on my space?
bill Jun 22nd 2011 1:10PM
Just because he said the ailines was hiring "undatable " people...including gays, does not make him homophobic. He is straight and gays and old ladies are "undateable" to him. Granted, he sounds like a total a loser, but not wanting to date a gay man does not make him homophobic. He was "hating" everyone equally, except 22 year old babes, who, probably wouldn't give him a second glance!
Nancy Jun 22nd 2011 1:07PM
This "pilot" should not have been allowed back in the cockpit. The fact that he didn't know that his mike was open is the least of it.
His attitude and the other comments he made should make him unfit for duty ever. There are many people out of work some of whom may be trained and competent pilots but out of work because of the reduction in the size of the work force. Sensitivity training can't work unless there is something to work with and in this case I tend to doubt it. I've never flown Southwest and unless it's the only way to get somewhere I don't think I ever will.
Alex Jun 22nd 2011 2:15PM
Who cares? What do his attitude or personal views have to do with his flying ability? I mean come on were not talking about a teacher or a public official here, were talking about an airline pilot. I imagine most if the other flight crews on the frequency were cracking up in agreement.
Just because he offends your liberal sensibilities doesn't mean he should lose his job.
Jester Jun 22nd 2011 2:18PM
Nancy. You sound like a total ass! The pilot was stupid and immature in doing what he did, but why does that make you decide never to fly Southwest? Why should he lose his job forever? You sound like such a b**ch! I would hate to work for you! He was not homophobic. He said that they were hiring people that he deemed un-datable. That doesn't make him hate, or be afraid of gays. He just doesn't date gays! How does any of this affect his ability to fly a plane? The article never mentioned anything about his track record. He could be a great pilot. Maybe he just had a bad day, and vented at the wrong time! You ever have a bad day, Miss perfect? Ease up! Everyone wants to crucify the next guy these days. Take a look in the mirror and be the best person you can be. Stop passing judgement on others. You're not perfect either!
Steve Jun 22nd 2011 2:03PM
I'm so tired about every time something like this happens, everyone has to put their two cents worth in about whether or not the guy should keep his job. Nancy, have you ever put on a pilot's headset? Whether your mike is keyed or you're on intercom, the sound in your ears is the same. Pilots don't take off the set to talk with each other. (usually) Forget the fact that there are radio malfunctions. I wish we could stop being so critical of every little thing that goes on. Hey, he wasn't asleep, on drugs or drunk. Why not enjoy the humor in this?
wil2660 Jun 22nd 2011 1:20PM
Sure he should be able to return, it's not his fault the Southwest hires dogs for attendents.
David Jun 22nd 2011 1:40PM
You are an asshole.
Joey Jun 22nd 2011 1:22PM
I, too, lament the lack of hot flight attendants on Southwest Airlines. They used to have attractive, slim attendants. Now they have older, overweight women that brush me with their big butts every time I sit in an aisle seat.
The Infadel Jun 22nd 2011 1:26PM
I bet that diversity training class was one of the longest and most boring parts of his life, not to mention a total waste of time. Are people not allowed to have opinions any longer? Politically correct America sucks. At least he learned to make sure his mike isn't on when he's conversing with his copilot.
motoron Jun 22nd 2011 1:42PM
For all of you who think it was okay for him to rant on and on, you missed one important factor, "The event, originally reported by CBS 2 in Houston, states that the pilot's speech on March 25 tied up frequencies for other pilots in the area." Additionally, all companies have policies against discrimination, including creating a hostile work environment. The company took the right steps to protect themselves. He's back to work which is the right thing, but he needed the training to reinfoce the commpany's policy in addition tot eh suspension for tying up the frequenfcies.
adab Jun 22nd 2011 2:18PM
As a retired united pilot and ex Pan-am captain I cant say I blame the skipper for his views .It's unfortunate his comments were overheard by atc . however ,the commercial cockpit has changed over the years and much to the poorer .When this capt allows his personal beliefs to interfere with getting his passengers from point a to point b safely ,I'll be the first to censure the man . Lighten up folks and give the guy a break.
Sonja42 Jun 28th 2011 2:08PM
This is so discriminating, leave the pilot ALONE, let him fly. Most likely it is a group of "gays" that are screaming like sissies about his remarks.
ALAN Jun 22nd 2011 1:36PM
BFD HE WAS NOT TALKING TO ANY ONE PERSON; HE WAS TALKING 'GENERALLY'. IF EVERYONE WHO EVER HAD A PERSONAL JUDGEMENT AGAINST ANYONE/ANYGROUP WAS SANCTIONED, THERE WOULD BE NO ONE LEFT...