Pilot accused of threatening to shoot airline captain midflight calls it a misunderstanding
Jonathan J. Dunn acknowledged threatening the captain but said his remarks were intended as a joke, according to new court documents.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/pi ... rcna132426
SALT LAKE CITY — Attorneys clashed Thursday in a Utah courtroom over opposing characterizations of a fight between two commercial airline pilots in which the co-pilot allegedly threatened to shoot the captain for suggesting they divert the flight for a passenger’s medical emergency.
Former Delta Air Lines pilot Jonathan J. Dunn, 42, made his first federal court appearance Thursday in Salt Lake City after he was indicted by a grand jury on Oct. 18, 2023, and charged with interfering with a flight crew. His lawyer, John W. Huber, who was once Utah’s top federal prosecutor, tried to characterize the altercation as “a misunderstanding,” while prosecutors described it as a “grave offense.”
The heated argument had erupted in the cockpit of a 2022 flight from Atlanta to Salt Lake City, on which Dunn was the first officer, or co-pilot.
The captain, who is not named in court documents, had proposed diverting their commercial flight to Grand Junction, Colorado, if the passenger’s condition worsened, the U.S. Attorney’s Office alleges. Dunn objected and threatened multiple times to shoot the captain, whom he accused of “going crazy,” the documents state.
If convicted, Dunn could face up to 20 years in prison. Judge Jared C. Bennett set his trial date for March 12.
Dunn acknowledged threatening the captain but said his remarks were intended as a joke, according to new court documents detailing the altercation. The captain did not perceive the threats as a joke and told authorities that he was concerned Dunn would use his firearm to “relieve” him of command of the aircraft.
Huber, Dunn’s attorney, argued Thursday that he should not be considered dangerous, reminding the judge that his client has no criminal history.
The new court documents reveal that Dunn seemed to recognize the gravity of his actions, telling Delta officials, “This could have been much worse. In hindsight if I had been threatened, I would not be able to operate.”
Dunn, of Rapid City, South Dakota, had been authorized by the Transportation Security Administration to carry a firearm on board. The TSA has since revoked that authority, and Delta says Dunn no longer works for the airline.
The program authorizing some pilots to carry guns on domestic flights emerged as an security measure after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, said Ross Aimer, an aviation expert and the CEO of Aero Consulting Experts. After the government realized it would be too expensive to have an air marshal on every flight, it allowed pilots such as Dunn to volunteer for a training program to become federal flight deck officers.
Participating pilots must be vetted and attend a training course at a federal law enforcement center in New Mexico before they’re authorized to carry a gun on board, according to the TSA. And all pilots undergo regular medical exams in which they’re required to disclose whether they have depression or anxiety, as well as their use of medications, drugs and alcohol.
“There are extensive protocols attached to how you carry this weapon,” Aimer said of the officers’ training. “You’re not supposed to take it out of the cockpit, or even out of the holster, unless it’s absolutely necessary.”
All commercial pilots receive training on how to calmly settle disagreements and are required to immediately report if a colleague is showing signs of any concerning behavior, he said.
The altercation occurred on the last leg of a three-day cross-country rotation that Dunn and the captain completed together. The captain reported having problems with Dunn questioning his decisions throughout the entire rotation and attempting to be, what he called a “right-seat captain.”
Dunn is an Air Force Reserve lieutenant colonel who was demoted from his previous position for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. The Air Force suspended his access to sensitive information and to the air operations center because of the midflight altercation, a spokesperson said.
His indictment came a few days before an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot riding in a cockpit jump seat tried, midflight, to shut off the engine of a Horizon Air jet. Joseph David Emerson, who told police he was suffering from depression and had taken psychedelic mushrooms, was subdued by the captain and co-pilot and arrested after the plane diverted to Portland, Oregon. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder in an Oregon state court.
The judge outlined conditions that would allow Dunn to return home before the trial — prompting him to turn and smile at his wife and four young children. His two daughters shared nervous glances throughout the hearing while his youngest son squirmed on his mom’s lap.
Bennett instructed Dunn to remain at his current residence — he has been living at his in-laws’ house in South Dakota — and to surrender his passport as well as any firearms. He cannot access guns before the trial or contact any witnesses in the case.
PP
Crew Behaving Badly
Re: Crew Behaving Badly
Flight attendant accused of recording girl in plane lavatory is arrested
The family of the 14-year-old victim filed a lawsuit after she discovered an iPhone in the bathroom of an American Airlines flight last year.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fl ... rcna134627
A former American Airlines flight attendant was criminally charged Thursday and accused of using a phone to secretly record a young girl in a plane lavatory, federal prosecutors said.
The girl discovered the iPhone affixed to a toilet seat, with a large sticker about the seat being broken to partially conceal it, on the Sept. 2, 2023, flight from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Boston, officials said.
Estes Carter Thompson III, 36, was arrested Thursday by the FBI and is charged with one count of attempted sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography depicting a prepubescent minor, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston said in a statement.
Prosecutors said investigators also discovered videos of four other minor girls also using the facilities on planes where Thompson worked.
Thompson was immediately withheld from service after the incident and has not worked since, American Airlines said.
“We take these allegations very seriously. They do not reflect our airline or our core mission of caring for people,” the airline said in a statement Thursday. It added it has been fully cooperating with investigators.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy called the alleged conduct "deeply disturbing" and one no traveler should have to face or be concerned about.
"Mr. Thompson allegedly used his position to prey on and surreptitiously record innocent children, including unaccompanied minors, while in a vulnerable state aboard flights he was working," Levy said in a statement.
The family of the 14-year-old victim on the September flight filed a lawsuit against the airline in December.
In Thompson’s iCloud account, investigators found videos of four other young girls in plane lavatories, ages 7, 9, 11 and 14 years old, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. They were made last year between Jan. 26 and Aug. 23, according to an FBI affidavit.
Online federal court records did not appear to list an attorney for Thompson.
He is being held pending an initial appearance in West Virginia, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.
The charge of attempted sexual exploitation of children carries at least 15 and up to 30 years in prison, if convicted, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said, and the other charge carries at least five years and up to 20 years in prison.
PP
The family of the 14-year-old victim filed a lawsuit after she discovered an iPhone in the bathroom of an American Airlines flight last year.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fl ... rcna134627
A former American Airlines flight attendant was criminally charged Thursday and accused of using a phone to secretly record a young girl in a plane lavatory, federal prosecutors said.
The girl discovered the iPhone affixed to a toilet seat, with a large sticker about the seat being broken to partially conceal it, on the Sept. 2, 2023, flight from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Boston, officials said.
Estes Carter Thompson III, 36, was arrested Thursday by the FBI and is charged with one count of attempted sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography depicting a prepubescent minor, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston said in a statement.
Prosecutors said investigators also discovered videos of four other minor girls also using the facilities on planes where Thompson worked.
Thompson was immediately withheld from service after the incident and has not worked since, American Airlines said.
“We take these allegations very seriously. They do not reflect our airline or our core mission of caring for people,” the airline said in a statement Thursday. It added it has been fully cooperating with investigators.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy called the alleged conduct "deeply disturbing" and one no traveler should have to face or be concerned about.
"Mr. Thompson allegedly used his position to prey on and surreptitiously record innocent children, including unaccompanied minors, while in a vulnerable state aboard flights he was working," Levy said in a statement.
The family of the 14-year-old victim on the September flight filed a lawsuit against the airline in December.
In Thompson’s iCloud account, investigators found videos of four other young girls in plane lavatories, ages 7, 9, 11 and 14 years old, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. They were made last year between Jan. 26 and Aug. 23, according to an FBI affidavit.
Online federal court records did not appear to list an attorney for Thompson.
He is being held pending an initial appearance in West Virginia, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.
The charge of attempted sexual exploitation of children carries at least 15 and up to 30 years in prison, if convicted, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said, and the other charge carries at least five years and up to 20 years in prison.
PP
Re: Crew Behaving Badly
Sloppy & Childish American Airlines Pilot Gets Aggressive
https://onemileatatime.com/news/sloppy- ... ggressive/
As an aviation geek, I love listening to air traffic control audio, and always enjoy the VASAviation YouTube channel, which does a great job covering noteworthy air traffic control interactions. The channel has just uploaded a video involving an interaction between a Phoenix air traffic controller and an American Airlines pilot.
Often when I share these clips, there’s not one party that’s completely in the right or wrong. Well, in this case the fault 100% lies with the pilot, and he definitely needs a talking to, as he seems to have a serious anger issue when being called out over his unsafe communication.
In this post:
American pilot struggles to communicate properly
What’s this American Airlines pilot’s deal?
Bottom line
American pilot struggles to communicate properly
This incident involves a recent American Airlines flight from El Paso (ELP) to Phoenix (PHX), with the flight number AA1479. Before we get into the details, let me emphasize the key thing to listen for here, for those who may not be familiar with air traffic control communications.
When pilots are given instructions by air traffic controllers, it’s very important that they read them back accurately. This includes reading back the callsign of the aircraft, as well as the specific instructions (altitude, runway, heading, etc.). After all, we’ve seen a lot of close calls lately, and many of those can be avoided when everyone is on the same page.
With that in mind, here’s how the communication starts between the pilot and air traffic controller:
Pilot: “Phoenix approach, good evening, American 1479, with you.”
Controller: “American 1479, Phoenix approach, expect 25L.”
Pilot: “25L.”
Controller: “American 1479, 26 available tonight, if you’d like.”
Pilot: “We will take 26!”
Controller: “American 1479, verify that’s you.”
Pilot: “That is American 1479, sorry. We will take 26.”
Controller: “American 1479, expect 26, fly present heading, maintain 5,000.”
Pilot: “Present heading, 5,000, expect 26.”
Controller: “American 1479, if you could fill the callsign again. Fly present heading, maintain 5,000.”
I just want to point out how ridiculous this is, because in three interactions in a row, the pilot fails to read back the callsign. Like, you learn to read back your callsign or tail number on your first day of getting your private pilot license, so the pilot of a commercial airliner shouldn’t make a mistake like that.
Interestingly at this point, the other pilot takes over communications briefly, as you hear a different voice, and he’s much calmer and more competent. Then the first pilot takes over with communications again, and unfortunately it goes even further downhill:
Controller: “American 1479, cleared visual approach runway 26.”
Pilot: “Cleared for the visual approach, American 1479.”
Controller: “American 1479, cleared visual approach runway 26.”
Pilot: “Uh, we got a communication problem. Are you hearing this radio clear? Because I’m saying what I need to say but something’s not happening.”
Controller: “American 1479, you said ‘cleared for the approach,’ I need the runway assignment, which is runway 26, not 25L or 25R. You’re cleared visual approach runway 26, and you’re not reading that back correctly.”
Pilot: “Cleared for the visual approach to runway 26, American 1479.”
Controller: “American 1479, if you need a phone number, you can call in and we can talk about the case, but you misread the last three transmissions without a callsign and without a runway assignment. You need a phone number?”
Pilot: “I am not gonna waste my time.”
At this point the American flight is handed over to the tower, and the same pilot comes in with even more of an attitude:
Pilot: “Phoenix tower, American 1479, visual runway 26.” (he reads the callsign intentionally very slowly and with an attitude)
Controller: “American 1479, Phoenix tower, runway 26, cleared to land.”
Pilot: “Cleared to land runway 26, American 1479.”
Controller: “Are you okay? You seem very hostile.”
Below you can hear the interaction. You absolutely should listen, so you can understand just how hostile the pilot’s tone was, all while the air traffic controllers are surprisingly patient.
Hey, maybe this guy was just having an off day. The thing is, sometimes pilots don’t perform at their best, but they’re usually sheepish about it. What’s bizarre about this pilot is that he’s both not performing his job correctly, and has a God complex at the same time, thinking he can do no wrong.
If you ask any pilot or air traffic controller whether you have to read back your callsign or a runway assignment, they’d say “of course you do.” Yet somehow this guy makes mistake after mistake, but accepts no responsibility for it.
I don’t get it. He claims he’s “saying what [he] needs to say.” So does he really not think it’s necessary to read back runway assignments or callsigns? If so, I think it might be time for him to go to recurrent training, so he can brush up on the basics.
Then there’s the completely bizarre aggression with which he approaches a second air traffic controller, which makes you wonder what this guy’s deal is. The controller immediately wonders if the guy is okay and why he’s so hostile.
Honestly, this guy doesn’t sound like someone who you’d want at the controls of a plane when there’s an emergency, in terms of his ability to logically analyze a situation and stay calm.
Also, I can’t help but wonder what the dynamic was like in the cockpit during all of this. It’s interesting how they just keep switching the communications back and forth between the two pilots. I assume at first they switched communications because one pilot was calmer than the other, but then they go back to the original guy, and he’s just as angry?
Bottom line
An American Airlines pilot seemed to struggle with air traffic control communication. He didn’t read back the callsign or runway assignments, which are absolute necessities. When he was called out on it, he claimed he did nothing wrong, and that he’s not looking to waste his time. But then he gets super aggressive with the remainder of his communication.
We all have bad days, but this guy needs some retraining. It’s one thing to have a sloppy day, it’s another thing to claim you’re doing nothing wrong, get aggressive, and shift blame.
What do you make of this interaction between an American pilot and air traffic controller?
PP
https://onemileatatime.com/news/sloppy- ... ggressive/
As an aviation geek, I love listening to air traffic control audio, and always enjoy the VASAviation YouTube channel, which does a great job covering noteworthy air traffic control interactions. The channel has just uploaded a video involving an interaction between a Phoenix air traffic controller and an American Airlines pilot.
Often when I share these clips, there’s not one party that’s completely in the right or wrong. Well, in this case the fault 100% lies with the pilot, and he definitely needs a talking to, as he seems to have a serious anger issue when being called out over his unsafe communication.
In this post:
American pilot struggles to communicate properly
What’s this American Airlines pilot’s deal?
Bottom line
American pilot struggles to communicate properly
This incident involves a recent American Airlines flight from El Paso (ELP) to Phoenix (PHX), with the flight number AA1479. Before we get into the details, let me emphasize the key thing to listen for here, for those who may not be familiar with air traffic control communications.
When pilots are given instructions by air traffic controllers, it’s very important that they read them back accurately. This includes reading back the callsign of the aircraft, as well as the specific instructions (altitude, runway, heading, etc.). After all, we’ve seen a lot of close calls lately, and many of those can be avoided when everyone is on the same page.
With that in mind, here’s how the communication starts between the pilot and air traffic controller:
Pilot: “Phoenix approach, good evening, American 1479, with you.”
Controller: “American 1479, Phoenix approach, expect 25L.”
Pilot: “25L.”
Controller: “American 1479, 26 available tonight, if you’d like.”
Pilot: “We will take 26!”
Controller: “American 1479, verify that’s you.”
Pilot: “That is American 1479, sorry. We will take 26.”
Controller: “American 1479, expect 26, fly present heading, maintain 5,000.”
Pilot: “Present heading, 5,000, expect 26.”
Controller: “American 1479, if you could fill the callsign again. Fly present heading, maintain 5,000.”
I just want to point out how ridiculous this is, because in three interactions in a row, the pilot fails to read back the callsign. Like, you learn to read back your callsign or tail number on your first day of getting your private pilot license, so the pilot of a commercial airliner shouldn’t make a mistake like that.
Interestingly at this point, the other pilot takes over communications briefly, as you hear a different voice, and he’s much calmer and more competent. Then the first pilot takes over with communications again, and unfortunately it goes even further downhill:
Controller: “American 1479, cleared visual approach runway 26.”
Pilot: “Cleared for the visual approach, American 1479.”
Controller: “American 1479, cleared visual approach runway 26.”
Pilot: “Uh, we got a communication problem. Are you hearing this radio clear? Because I’m saying what I need to say but something’s not happening.”
Controller: “American 1479, you said ‘cleared for the approach,’ I need the runway assignment, which is runway 26, not 25L or 25R. You’re cleared visual approach runway 26, and you’re not reading that back correctly.”
Pilot: “Cleared for the visual approach to runway 26, American 1479.”
Controller: “American 1479, if you need a phone number, you can call in and we can talk about the case, but you misread the last three transmissions without a callsign and without a runway assignment. You need a phone number?”
Pilot: “I am not gonna waste my time.”
At this point the American flight is handed over to the tower, and the same pilot comes in with even more of an attitude:
Pilot: “Phoenix tower, American 1479, visual runway 26.” (he reads the callsign intentionally very slowly and with an attitude)
Controller: “American 1479, Phoenix tower, runway 26, cleared to land.”
Pilot: “Cleared to land runway 26, American 1479.”
Controller: “Are you okay? You seem very hostile.”
Below you can hear the interaction. You absolutely should listen, so you can understand just how hostile the pilot’s tone was, all while the air traffic controllers are surprisingly patient.
Hey, maybe this guy was just having an off day. The thing is, sometimes pilots don’t perform at their best, but they’re usually sheepish about it. What’s bizarre about this pilot is that he’s both not performing his job correctly, and has a God complex at the same time, thinking he can do no wrong.
If you ask any pilot or air traffic controller whether you have to read back your callsign or a runway assignment, they’d say “of course you do.” Yet somehow this guy makes mistake after mistake, but accepts no responsibility for it.
I don’t get it. He claims he’s “saying what [he] needs to say.” So does he really not think it’s necessary to read back runway assignments or callsigns? If so, I think it might be time for him to go to recurrent training, so he can brush up on the basics.
Then there’s the completely bizarre aggression with which he approaches a second air traffic controller, which makes you wonder what this guy’s deal is. The controller immediately wonders if the guy is okay and why he’s so hostile.
Honestly, this guy doesn’t sound like someone who you’d want at the controls of a plane when there’s an emergency, in terms of his ability to logically analyze a situation and stay calm.
Also, I can’t help but wonder what the dynamic was like in the cockpit during all of this. It’s interesting how they just keep switching the communications back and forth between the two pilots. I assume at first they switched communications because one pilot was calmer than the other, but then they go back to the original guy, and he’s just as angry?
Bottom line
An American Airlines pilot seemed to struggle with air traffic control communication. He didn’t read back the callsign or runway assignments, which are absolute necessities. When he was called out on it, he claimed he did nothing wrong, and that he’s not looking to waste his time. But then he gets super aggressive with the remainder of his communication.
We all have bad days, but this guy needs some retraining. It’s one thing to have a sloppy day, it’s another thing to claim you’re doing nothing wrong, get aggressive, and shift blame.
What do you make of this interaction between an American pilot and air traffic controller?
PP
Re: Crew Behaving Badly
4 flight attendants arrested, accused of taking millions in drug money to Dominican Republic
The defendants abused "their privileges as airline employees" to smuggle "millions of dollars of drug money," the U.S. attorney said.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/4- ... rcna151312
Four flight attendants abused “their privileges as airline employees” and smuggled “millions of dollars of drug money” out of New York City to the Dominican Republic, federal authorities said Wednesday.
The suspects had access to the "Known Crewmember (KCM)" lane at John F. Kennedy International Airport, giving them fast and X-ray-free passage through security, authorities said.
"In effect, given these loosened security procedures, KCM privileges allow flight attendants to bypass airport security with large quantities of cash without that cash being seized," a Homeland Security Investigations special agent wrote in a complaint.
Charlie Hernandez, 42; Sarah Valerio Pujols, 24; Emmanuel Torres, 34; and Jarol Fabio, 35, all face various charges connected to "unlicensed money transmission," prosecutors said. They were arrested Tuesday, a Homeland Security Investigations spokesperson said.
Hernandez lives in West New York, New Jersey, while the other three defendants live in New York City, officials said.
They are accused of smuggling about $8 million in total in "bulk cash" to the Dominican Republic, prosecutors said.
"As alleged, these flight attendants smuggled millions of dollars of drug money and law enforcement funds that they thought was drug money from the United States to the Dominican Republic over many years by abusing their privileges as airline employees," U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement.
An informant gave Hernandez $121,215 — funds "derived from narcotics trafficking" — and he then gave Pujols $61,215 of it for them to take to the Dominican Republic in December 2019, according to the complaint.
Torres is accused of smuggling at least $1.5 million in drug money to the Dominican Republic from 2015 to 2022, the complaint says. Fabio sneaked out $1.5 million from 2015 to 2023, federal authorities alleged.
Delta Airlines confirmed that two of the defendants work for it.
“Delta has cooperated fully with law enforcement in this investigation and will continue to do so," it said in a statement.
An attorney for Pujols said her client is no longer in custody but would not comment further.
A lawyer for Fabio could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday. No attorneys were immediately listed in court records for Hernandez and Torres.
PP
The defendants abused "their privileges as airline employees" to smuggle "millions of dollars of drug money," the U.S. attorney said.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/4- ... rcna151312
Four flight attendants abused “their privileges as airline employees” and smuggled “millions of dollars of drug money” out of New York City to the Dominican Republic, federal authorities said Wednesday.
The suspects had access to the "Known Crewmember (KCM)" lane at John F. Kennedy International Airport, giving them fast and X-ray-free passage through security, authorities said.
"In effect, given these loosened security procedures, KCM privileges allow flight attendants to bypass airport security with large quantities of cash without that cash being seized," a Homeland Security Investigations special agent wrote in a complaint.
Charlie Hernandez, 42; Sarah Valerio Pujols, 24; Emmanuel Torres, 34; and Jarol Fabio, 35, all face various charges connected to "unlicensed money transmission," prosecutors said. They were arrested Tuesday, a Homeland Security Investigations spokesperson said.
Hernandez lives in West New York, New Jersey, while the other three defendants live in New York City, officials said.
They are accused of smuggling about $8 million in total in "bulk cash" to the Dominican Republic, prosecutors said.
"As alleged, these flight attendants smuggled millions of dollars of drug money and law enforcement funds that they thought was drug money from the United States to the Dominican Republic over many years by abusing their privileges as airline employees," U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement.
An informant gave Hernandez $121,215 — funds "derived from narcotics trafficking" — and he then gave Pujols $61,215 of it for them to take to the Dominican Republic in December 2019, according to the complaint.
Torres is accused of smuggling at least $1.5 million in drug money to the Dominican Republic from 2015 to 2022, the complaint says. Fabio sneaked out $1.5 million from 2015 to 2023, federal authorities alleged.
Delta Airlines confirmed that two of the defendants work for it.
“Delta has cooperated fully with law enforcement in this investigation and will continue to do so," it said in a statement.
An attorney for Pujols said her client is no longer in custody but would not comment further.
A lawyer for Fabio could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday. No attorneys were immediately listed in court records for Hernandez and Torres.
PP
Re: Crew Behaving Badly
Southwest Airlines pilot accused of DUI is arrested at Georgia airport before flight
A TSA officer smelled alcohol on the pilot and informed law enforcement officials, a source said.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/so ... rcna187901
A Southwest Airlines pilot was arrested at a Georgia airport and accused of DUI on Wednesday.
A TSA officer smelled alcohol on the pilot and informed law enforcement officials, who arrested the pilot at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, a source familiar with the situation told NBC News.
"We’re aware of a situation involving an employee on Flight 3772 this morning from Savannah. The Employee has been removed from duty," the airline said in a statement.
"There’s nothing more important to Southwest than the safety of our employees and customers.”
The flight, which was headed to Chicago, was delayed by five hours, according to flight records.
The airline apologized for the disruption and said that customers were accommodated on other flights.
FAA regulations "prohibit pilots from using alcohol while on duty or from flying, or attempting to fly, an aircraft within eight hours of consuming alcohol or if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or greater," the agency said in a statement.
Records with the Chatham County Sheriff's Office indicate David Allsop, 52, was arrested Wednesday by airport police on a charge of driving under the influence and was being held on $3,500 bond, according to Chatham County Sheriff’s Office records.
It was not immediately clear Wednesday night if Allsop had an attorney.
Attempts to reach his family for comment were unsuccessful.
PP
A TSA officer smelled alcohol on the pilot and informed law enforcement officials, a source said.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/so ... rcna187901
A Southwest Airlines pilot was arrested at a Georgia airport and accused of DUI on Wednesday.
A TSA officer smelled alcohol on the pilot and informed law enforcement officials, who arrested the pilot at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, a source familiar with the situation told NBC News.
"We’re aware of a situation involving an employee on Flight 3772 this morning from Savannah. The Employee has been removed from duty," the airline said in a statement.
"There’s nothing more important to Southwest than the safety of our employees and customers.”
The flight, which was headed to Chicago, was delayed by five hours, according to flight records.
The airline apologized for the disruption and said that customers were accommodated on other flights.
FAA regulations "prohibit pilots from using alcohol while on duty or from flying, or attempting to fly, an aircraft within eight hours of consuming alcohol or if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or greater," the agency said in a statement.
Records with the Chatham County Sheriff's Office indicate David Allsop, 52, was arrested Wednesday by airport police on a charge of driving under the influence and was being held on $3,500 bond, according to Chatham County Sheriff’s Office records.
It was not immediately clear Wednesday night if Allsop had an attorney.
Attempts to reach his family for comment were unsuccessful.
PP
Re: Crew Behaving Badly
“We Don’t Throw Away Your Personal Garbage!” American Airlines Flight Attendant Refuses To Pick Up Pilot’s Pizza Box, Then Kicks It Down Aisle
https://liveandletsfly.com/american-air ... l-garbage/
Two bratty children A pilot and a flight attendant got into a kerfuffle on an American Airlines flight over an empty pizza box, with the flight attendant refusing to take it, the pilot leaving it in the aisle, then the flight attendant and his colleagues kicking it down the aisle and steadfastly refusing to pick it up over the next two hours. And these are the people we rely on to safely transport us?
American Airlines Flight Attendants Are Not Interested In Disposing Of Your Personal Garbage
An off-duty pilot (flying as a “paying passenger”) in the main cabin between Miami (MIA) and Chicago (ORD) shared his story on a pilot’s forum:
AA service is horrible. Last week as a paying passenger I brought a pizza onboard from the terminal in MIA. I finished the pizza and tried to give the empty box to a very femine acting male flight attendant as he walked by before departure. He said, “We don’t throw away your garbage.” I was a bit shocked at this new policy he had enacted.
So I set the box down in the aisle (yes, I know, a bit childish). On the 2.3 hour flight from MIA to ORD not only did none of the flight attendants pick up the empty pizza box…..they continued to kick it out of the way as they walked by it. It was still in the aisle when I got off. AA service really is just as bad as Spirit. Not even in the same league as Delta……or even United these days.
I’m glad the pilot admitted to being childish. I also wonder what he meant by describing the male flight attendant as “feminine acting” and hope that he’s not implying the flight attendant was bad because he was gay.
View From The Wing right notes, “There’s not enough room in many coach seats to work with the meal tray still there,” and that’s certainly true if you have a big box of pizza. Considering that economy class passengers on this flight receive a small packet of pretzels or Biscoff cookies, I also cannot blame the pilot for bringing his own meal onboard.
And yes, the flight attendant should have taken it…for goodness sake, how lazy can you get? And how lazy was the entire crew if they just kept walking over it and kicking it to the side during the flight?
But of course, this pilot is a passive-aggressive tool and could have gotten up and set it on the counter of the rear galley or at least tried to stuff it down the trash receptacle in the lavatory.
Immature behavior all-around here…
PP
https://liveandletsfly.com/american-air ... l-garbage/
Two bratty children A pilot and a flight attendant got into a kerfuffle on an American Airlines flight over an empty pizza box, with the flight attendant refusing to take it, the pilot leaving it in the aisle, then the flight attendant and his colleagues kicking it down the aisle and steadfastly refusing to pick it up over the next two hours. And these are the people we rely on to safely transport us?
American Airlines Flight Attendants Are Not Interested In Disposing Of Your Personal Garbage
An off-duty pilot (flying as a “paying passenger”) in the main cabin between Miami (MIA) and Chicago (ORD) shared his story on a pilot’s forum:
AA service is horrible. Last week as a paying passenger I brought a pizza onboard from the terminal in MIA. I finished the pizza and tried to give the empty box to a very femine acting male flight attendant as he walked by before departure. He said, “We don’t throw away your garbage.” I was a bit shocked at this new policy he had enacted.
So I set the box down in the aisle (yes, I know, a bit childish). On the 2.3 hour flight from MIA to ORD not only did none of the flight attendants pick up the empty pizza box…..they continued to kick it out of the way as they walked by it. It was still in the aisle when I got off. AA service really is just as bad as Spirit. Not even in the same league as Delta……or even United these days.
I’m glad the pilot admitted to being childish. I also wonder what he meant by describing the male flight attendant as “feminine acting” and hope that he’s not implying the flight attendant was bad because he was gay.
View From The Wing right notes, “There’s not enough room in many coach seats to work with the meal tray still there,” and that’s certainly true if you have a big box of pizza. Considering that economy class passengers on this flight receive a small packet of pretzels or Biscoff cookies, I also cannot blame the pilot for bringing his own meal onboard.
And yes, the flight attendant should have taken it…for goodness sake, how lazy can you get? And how lazy was the entire crew if they just kept walking over it and kicking it to the side during the flight?
But of course, this pilot is a passive-aggressive tool and could have gotten up and set it on the counter of the rear galley or at least tried to stuff it down the trash receptacle in the lavatory.
Immature behavior all-around here…
PP
Re: Crew Behaving Badly
American Airlines flight attendant pleads guilty to secretly recording underage girl in plane bathroom
https://www.fox4news.com/news/estes-tho ... e-bathroom
The Brief
Estes Thompson III pleaded guilty to two felony charges of sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography on Thursday.
The charges stem from a Sept. 2023 incident when a North Carolina 14-year-old found a hidden iPhone recording her in the bathroom of her American Airlines flight.
When officials searched his iCloud account, they allegedly found four instances between January and August 2023 of him secretly recording minors using the airplane bathrooms.
Thompson faces between 15 and 20 years in prison and up to a $500,000 fine. He'll also have to register as a sex offender.
DALLAS - A former American Airlines flight attendant pleaded guilty to charges that he secretly recorded an underage girl in an airplane bathroom.
Police say he had recordings of other girls in similar situations.
Estes Carter Thompson III is accused of recording minors in the bathroom of airplanes on which he worked. (Lynchburg Detention Center)
Estes Carter Thompson III pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of children, and attempt; and possession of child pornography depicting a prepubescent minor, and attempt. (Lynchburg Detention Center)
What we know:
Estes Thompson III pleaded guilty to two felony charges of sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography on Thursday.
The now-fired flight attendant has been under investigation for incidents involving five child victims. One of them was from a Texas flight.
The backstory:
The DOJ said Thompson was working as a flight attendant on Sept. 2, 2023, onboard an American Airlines flight from Charlotte to Boston when he allegedly attempted to record a 14-year-old female passenger as she used the lavatory on the aircraft.
The North Carolina teenager got up to use the main cabin bathroom mid-flight, which was occupied. While waiting to use the bathroom, Thompson reportedly told her the restroom in first-class was unoccupied, then escorted her there.
Before entering the bathroom, the DOJ said Thompson told her he needed to wash his hands, adding that the toilet seat was broken.
Lawsuit: Flight attendant recorded kids with cellphone
A Texas family said a former American Airlines flight attendant secretly recorded their daughter in an airplane bathroom. The family from Austin is now suing him and the airline after they learned their child may be among his victims.
When Thompson exited the bathroom, the young girl walked in and saw red stickers on the underside of the toilet seat propped up in the open position, which read "inoperative catering equipment," "removed from service," and "seat broken."
The DOJ alleges that Thompson concealed his iPhone beneath the stickers to record the young girl.
The victim snapped a picture of the red stickers and the iPhone before exiting.
Thompson then allegedly entered the bathroom right away.
After returning to her seat, the girl showed her parents the picture, and they relayed the incident to other flight attendants, who notified the captain.
The girl’s father allegedly confronted Thompson during the flight, and the DOJ said he went to the bathroom and locked himself inside with his iPhone for three to five minutes before the plane descended.
The captain notified law enforcement officials about the incident, and when the plane landed at Boston’s Logan airport, Thompson was arrested.
The family of the 14-year-old girl, who asked to remain anonymous, told Fox News Digital in a phone interview that their daughter is "very angry" and "shocked" that someone violated her privacy on the flight. (Provided)
Law enforcement officials reported that Thompson’s phone may have been restored to factory settings before he was taken into custody.
The DOJ alleges that the suspect’s suitcase contained 11 "inoperative catering equipment" stickers like those seen on the back of the toilet seat.
More Recordings Discovered
Dig deeper:
When officials searched Thompson’s iCloud account, they allegedly found four instances between January and August 2023 when Thompson recorded minors using the lavatory on the aircraft, and the victims’ ages were 7, 9, 11 and 14.
He also allegedly had over 50 images of an Austin 9-year-old unaccompanied minor on his iCloud, in which the child was captured sitting in the seat and sleeping. Her parents say she was heading to Disney World.
The DOJ also claimed Thompson’s iCloud account contained hundreds of images of AI-generated pornography.
In May 2024, American Airlines was doing damage control following a court filing in which its lawyers appeared to blame a 9-year-old girl for being secretly recorded in a bathroom.
RELATED STORIES
Parents say American Airlines flight attendant put hidden camera in bathroom to record daughter: 'Disgusting'
American Airlines flight attendant accused of recording girls in bathroom facing new lawsuit
American Airlines backtracks after lawyers blame girl, 9, for not seeing hidden camera in bathroom
American Airlines drops law firm that said a 9-year-old girl should have seen camera on toilet seat
Sentencing
What's next:
The guilty plea is for the criminal side of the case.
Thompson faces between 15 and 20 years in prison and up to a $500,000 fine, according to federal court documents.
He will also have to register as a sex offender.
Thompson will be sentenced on June 17, 2025. He will remain in custody until then.
The Lawsuits
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: American Airlines, flight attendant accused of recording girls in bathroom facing new lawsuit
Another potential victim of a former American Airlines flight attendant accused of secretly recording girls in airplane bathrooms learned of the alleged crime from the FBI.
Paul Llewellyn represents the families of the 9-year-old and 14-year-old, who are suing Thompson and American Airlines in separate filings.
"I commend the U.S. Attorney's Office for bringing this felon to justice, and I think we can all sleep a bit safer knowing he's hopefully going to remain behind bars for a long time. And to the American people, be safe out there when you fly," he said.
"[The families] they were pleased that he has taken some measure of responsibility for what happened. But at the same time, this can't always… it can't undo the past. It can't make up for the awful experience that they've been to while flying on American Airlines," he continued.
Lewellyn said his North Carolina client has settled with American in a civil lawsuit.
The Texas lawsuit remains pending, and a jury trial is set to commence this summer.
PP
https://www.fox4news.com/news/estes-tho ... e-bathroom
The Brief
Estes Thompson III pleaded guilty to two felony charges of sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography on Thursday.
The charges stem from a Sept. 2023 incident when a North Carolina 14-year-old found a hidden iPhone recording her in the bathroom of her American Airlines flight.
When officials searched his iCloud account, they allegedly found four instances between January and August 2023 of him secretly recording minors using the airplane bathrooms.
Thompson faces between 15 and 20 years in prison and up to a $500,000 fine. He'll also have to register as a sex offender.
DALLAS - A former American Airlines flight attendant pleaded guilty to charges that he secretly recorded an underage girl in an airplane bathroom.
Police say he had recordings of other girls in similar situations.
Estes Carter Thompson III is accused of recording minors in the bathroom of airplanes on which he worked. (Lynchburg Detention Center)
Estes Carter Thompson III pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of children, and attempt; and possession of child pornography depicting a prepubescent minor, and attempt. (Lynchburg Detention Center)
What we know:
Estes Thompson III pleaded guilty to two felony charges of sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography on Thursday.
The now-fired flight attendant has been under investigation for incidents involving five child victims. One of them was from a Texas flight.
The backstory:
The DOJ said Thompson was working as a flight attendant on Sept. 2, 2023, onboard an American Airlines flight from Charlotte to Boston when he allegedly attempted to record a 14-year-old female passenger as she used the lavatory on the aircraft.
The North Carolina teenager got up to use the main cabin bathroom mid-flight, which was occupied. While waiting to use the bathroom, Thompson reportedly told her the restroom in first-class was unoccupied, then escorted her there.
Before entering the bathroom, the DOJ said Thompson told her he needed to wash his hands, adding that the toilet seat was broken.
Lawsuit: Flight attendant recorded kids with cellphone
A Texas family said a former American Airlines flight attendant secretly recorded their daughter in an airplane bathroom. The family from Austin is now suing him and the airline after they learned their child may be among his victims.
When Thompson exited the bathroom, the young girl walked in and saw red stickers on the underside of the toilet seat propped up in the open position, which read "inoperative catering equipment," "removed from service," and "seat broken."
The DOJ alleges that Thompson concealed his iPhone beneath the stickers to record the young girl.
The victim snapped a picture of the red stickers and the iPhone before exiting.
Thompson then allegedly entered the bathroom right away.
After returning to her seat, the girl showed her parents the picture, and they relayed the incident to other flight attendants, who notified the captain.
The girl’s father allegedly confronted Thompson during the flight, and the DOJ said he went to the bathroom and locked himself inside with his iPhone for three to five minutes before the plane descended.
The captain notified law enforcement officials about the incident, and when the plane landed at Boston’s Logan airport, Thompson was arrested.
The family of the 14-year-old girl, who asked to remain anonymous, told Fox News Digital in a phone interview that their daughter is "very angry" and "shocked" that someone violated her privacy on the flight. (Provided)
Law enforcement officials reported that Thompson’s phone may have been restored to factory settings before he was taken into custody.
The DOJ alleges that the suspect’s suitcase contained 11 "inoperative catering equipment" stickers like those seen on the back of the toilet seat.
More Recordings Discovered
Dig deeper:
When officials searched Thompson’s iCloud account, they allegedly found four instances between January and August 2023 when Thompson recorded minors using the lavatory on the aircraft, and the victims’ ages were 7, 9, 11 and 14.
He also allegedly had over 50 images of an Austin 9-year-old unaccompanied minor on his iCloud, in which the child was captured sitting in the seat and sleeping. Her parents say she was heading to Disney World.
The DOJ also claimed Thompson’s iCloud account contained hundreds of images of AI-generated pornography.
In May 2024, American Airlines was doing damage control following a court filing in which its lawyers appeared to blame a 9-year-old girl for being secretly recorded in a bathroom.
RELATED STORIES
Parents say American Airlines flight attendant put hidden camera in bathroom to record daughter: 'Disgusting'
American Airlines flight attendant accused of recording girls in bathroom facing new lawsuit
American Airlines backtracks after lawyers blame girl, 9, for not seeing hidden camera in bathroom
American Airlines drops law firm that said a 9-year-old girl should have seen camera on toilet seat
Sentencing
What's next:
The guilty plea is for the criminal side of the case.
Thompson faces between 15 and 20 years in prison and up to a $500,000 fine, according to federal court documents.
He will also have to register as a sex offender.
Thompson will be sentenced on June 17, 2025. He will remain in custody until then.
The Lawsuits
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: American Airlines, flight attendant accused of recording girls in bathroom facing new lawsuit
Another potential victim of a former American Airlines flight attendant accused of secretly recording girls in airplane bathrooms learned of the alleged crime from the FBI.
Paul Llewellyn represents the families of the 9-year-old and 14-year-old, who are suing Thompson and American Airlines in separate filings.
"I commend the U.S. Attorney's Office for bringing this felon to justice, and I think we can all sleep a bit safer knowing he's hopefully going to remain behind bars for a long time. And to the American people, be safe out there when you fly," he said.
"[The families] they were pleased that he has taken some measure of responsibility for what happened. But at the same time, this can't always… it can't undo the past. It can't make up for the awful experience that they've been to while flying on American Airlines," he continued.
Lewellyn said his North Carolina client has settled with American in a civil lawsuit.
The Texas lawsuit remains pending, and a jury trial is set to commence this summer.
PP
Re: Crew Behaving Badly
United Flight Diverts After Second Pilot In A Week Operates Shanghai Flight Without Passport 
https://viewfromthewing.com/united-dive ... -passport/
Saturday’s United Airlines flight 198 to was forced divert to San Francisco because a pilot forgot to bring his passport on the trip. Passengers received $15 meal vouchers when they landed in San Francisco. Here’s the message that the airline sent to passengers:
UA198 SFO-PVG: Your flight diverted to San Francisco due to an unexpected crew-related issue requiring a new crew. Once they arrive, we’ll get you back on your way to Shanghai as soon as possible. We sincerely apologize for this disruption and appreciate your patience.
United Airlines San Francisco
Ok, mistakes happen. But the same thing happened to another United flight to Shanghai last week, too! In that case they caught it prior to takeoff. The flight delayed several hours while they brought in a new pilot to operate the aircraft.
When you board an international flight, gate agents check your passport along with your boarding pass before letting you on the plane. Clearly they should be doing this to crew, too.
The cost to divert a widebody aircraft is tremendous. Aside from the inconvenience to all of the passengers on board, you’ve got crew costs and extra fuel. Presumably the pilot had to dump fuel prior to landing in Los Angeles. And the return flight is going to be delayed, as well. It’s the airline and passengers who absorb the cost of the mistake, not the pilot (except for the ribbing the pilot receives from colleagues and United pilots have long memories).
PP
https://viewfromthewing.com/united-dive ... -passport/
Saturday’s United Airlines flight 198 to was forced divert to San Francisco because a pilot forgot to bring his passport on the trip. Passengers received $15 meal vouchers when they landed in San Francisco. Here’s the message that the airline sent to passengers:
UA198 SFO-PVG: Your flight diverted to San Francisco due to an unexpected crew-related issue requiring a new crew. Once they arrive, we’ll get you back on your way to Shanghai as soon as possible. We sincerely apologize for this disruption and appreciate your patience.
United Airlines San Francisco
Ok, mistakes happen. But the same thing happened to another United flight to Shanghai last week, too! In that case they caught it prior to takeoff. The flight delayed several hours while they brought in a new pilot to operate the aircraft.
When you board an international flight, gate agents check your passport along with your boarding pass before letting you on the plane. Clearly they should be doing this to crew, too.
The cost to divert a widebody aircraft is tremendous. Aside from the inconvenience to all of the passengers on board, you’ve got crew costs and extra fuel. Presumably the pilot had to dump fuel prior to landing in Los Angeles. And the return flight is going to be delayed, as well. It’s the airline and passengers who absorb the cost of the mistake, not the pilot (except for the ribbing the pilot receives from colleagues and United pilots have long memories).
PP
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Rossian
- Capt
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Re: Traditional (Indian Army) pre departure checks.....
.....spectacles, testicles,wallet and watch and if going "Furrin" passport. Said in that order it mirrors crossing yourself.
This trivia is delivered free of charge.
The Ancient Mariner
This trivia is delivered free of charge.
The Ancient Mariner
Re: Crew Behaving Badly
United pilot ‘forcibly’ removed passenger from plane’s bathroom with pants still around his ankles, lawsuit says
https://www.azfamily.com/2025/03/24/uni ... suit-says/
NEW YORK (AP) — An Orthodox Jewish passenger says a United Airlines pilot forcibly removed him from an airplane bathroom while he was experiencing constipation, exposing his genitalia to other flyers during a flight from Tulum, Mexico, to Houston.
Yisroel Liebb, of New Jersey, described his trip through allegedly unfriendly skies in a federal lawsuit this week against the airline and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, whose officers he said boarded the plane upon landing and took him away in handcuffs.
Liebb and a fellow Orthodox Jewish traveler said the pilot made disparaging remarks about their faith. They said they were forced to miss a connecting flight to New York City while U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers paraded them through an airport terminal, placed them in holding cells and searched their luggage.
“CBP Officers responded to reports of a disturbance on a flight at the request of the airline,” CBP Assistant Commissioner for Public Affairs Hilton Beckham said. “Due to the ongoing litigation, we are unable to provide any further comment.”
United Airlines declined to comment. Messages seeking comment were left for a lawyer representing Liebb and the other traveler, Jacob Sebbag.
In the lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Manhattan federal court, Liebb said he was in the bathroom in the back of the plane for about 20 minutes on Jan. 28 when a flight attendant woke Sebbag from a nap and asked Sebbag to check on him.
Liebb said he explained his gastrointestinal predicament and assured Sebbag that he would be out soon. Sebbag then relayed that to the flight attendant, the lawsuit says.
About 10 minutes later, with Liebb still indisposed, the pilot approached Sebbag and asked him to check on Liebb, the lawsuit says. The pilot then yelled at Liebb to leave the bathroom immediately, the lawsuit says.
Liebb said he told the pilot that he was finishing up and would be out momentarily.
The pilot responded by breaking the lock, forcing the bathroom door open and pulling Liebb out with his pants still around his ankles, exposing his genitalia to Sebbag, flight attendants, and nearby passengers, according to the lawsuit.
Liebb and Sebbag said the pilot then pushed them back to their seats while threatening to have them arrested and making remarks about their faith and how “Jews act.”
After the two-hour flight landed in Houston, the men said about a half-dozen Customs and Border Protection officers boarded and escorted them off the plane.
Liebb said when he asked why they were being detained, an officer tightened his handcuffs and responded: “This isn’t county or state. We are Homeland. You have no rights here.”
The men said United booked them on a flight to New York City the next day for free, but any savings from the complementary tickets were lost because they had to pay for an overnight hotel stay and food during their delay.
PP
https://www.azfamily.com/2025/03/24/uni ... suit-says/
NEW YORK (AP) — An Orthodox Jewish passenger says a United Airlines pilot forcibly removed him from an airplane bathroom while he was experiencing constipation, exposing his genitalia to other flyers during a flight from Tulum, Mexico, to Houston.
Yisroel Liebb, of New Jersey, described his trip through allegedly unfriendly skies in a federal lawsuit this week against the airline and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, whose officers he said boarded the plane upon landing and took him away in handcuffs.
Liebb and a fellow Orthodox Jewish traveler said the pilot made disparaging remarks about their faith. They said they were forced to miss a connecting flight to New York City while U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers paraded them through an airport terminal, placed them in holding cells and searched their luggage.
“CBP Officers responded to reports of a disturbance on a flight at the request of the airline,” CBP Assistant Commissioner for Public Affairs Hilton Beckham said. “Due to the ongoing litigation, we are unable to provide any further comment.”
United Airlines declined to comment. Messages seeking comment were left for a lawyer representing Liebb and the other traveler, Jacob Sebbag.
In the lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Manhattan federal court, Liebb said he was in the bathroom in the back of the plane for about 20 minutes on Jan. 28 when a flight attendant woke Sebbag from a nap and asked Sebbag to check on him.
Liebb said he explained his gastrointestinal predicament and assured Sebbag that he would be out soon. Sebbag then relayed that to the flight attendant, the lawsuit says.
About 10 minutes later, with Liebb still indisposed, the pilot approached Sebbag and asked him to check on Liebb, the lawsuit says. The pilot then yelled at Liebb to leave the bathroom immediately, the lawsuit says.
Liebb said he told the pilot that he was finishing up and would be out momentarily.
The pilot responded by breaking the lock, forcing the bathroom door open and pulling Liebb out with his pants still around his ankles, exposing his genitalia to Sebbag, flight attendants, and nearby passengers, according to the lawsuit.
Liebb and Sebbag said the pilot then pushed them back to their seats while threatening to have them arrested and making remarks about their faith and how “Jews act.”
After the two-hour flight landed in Houston, the men said about a half-dozen Customs and Border Protection officers boarded and escorted them off the plane.
Liebb said when he asked why they were being detained, an officer tightened his handcuffs and responded: “This isn’t county or state. We are Homeland. You have no rights here.”
The men said United booked them on a flight to New York City the next day for free, but any savings from the complementary tickets were lost because they had to pay for an overnight hotel stay and food during their delay.
PP
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Woody
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Re: Crew Behaving Badly
When all else fails, read the instructions.