Mr Orlando
29-10-2007, 03:39 PM
taken from the sun
Shocking when you think about this as they were minutes from take off.
VIRGIN Atlantic co-pilot was arrested minutes before take-off yesterday on suspicion of being drunk.
Police at Heathrow boarded an Airbus A340 jet and seized the 42-year-old first officer as final checks were being carried out.
More than 260 passengers on flight VS5 to Miami were delayed for 3˝ hours while a replacement flight deck crew was found. Police swooped after a tip-off, understood to be from someone on the ground rather than the aircraft.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “At 11.16am officers arrested a 42-year-old crew member on board a Virgin Atlantic flight to Miami. He was arrested under section 94 of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003.”
He was later freed on bail but is suspended from duty pending the police probe, Virgin Atlantic said.
An airline spokeswoman said: “Virgin Atlantic can confirm that one of its first officers has been released on police bail in connection with an allegation made this morning.
“Virgin Atlantic would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused and would like to reassure passengers that the airline will be investigating this matter thoroughly in accordance with its strict company policies in relation to operational staff. The safety and security of passengers and crew is Virgin Atlantic’s top priority.”
It is understood the man was acting as relief first officer, providing cover for the captain and co-pilot in the event of both becoming unable to fly the jet.
Crews are meant to refrain from alcohol for eight hours before flying.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e70/robmayor/jet_682_380047a.jpg
Shocking when you think about this as they were minutes from take off.
VIRGIN Atlantic co-pilot was arrested minutes before take-off yesterday on suspicion of being drunk.
Police at Heathrow boarded an Airbus A340 jet and seized the 42-year-old first officer as final checks were being carried out.
More than 260 passengers on flight VS5 to Miami were delayed for 3˝ hours while a replacement flight deck crew was found. Police swooped after a tip-off, understood to be from someone on the ground rather than the aircraft.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “At 11.16am officers arrested a 42-year-old crew member on board a Virgin Atlantic flight to Miami. He was arrested under section 94 of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003.”
He was later freed on bail but is suspended from duty pending the police probe, Virgin Atlantic said.
An airline spokeswoman said: “Virgin Atlantic can confirm that one of its first officers has been released on police bail in connection with an allegation made this morning.
“Virgin Atlantic would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused and would like to reassure passengers that the airline will be investigating this matter thoroughly in accordance with its strict company policies in relation to operational staff. The safety and security of passengers and crew is Virgin Atlantic’s top priority.”
It is understood the man was acting as relief first officer, providing cover for the captain and co-pilot in the event of both becoming unable to fly the jet.
Crews are meant to refrain from alcohol for eight hours before flying.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e70/robmayor/jet_682_380047a.jpg