I agree that people can indeed change. But, as harsh as it sounds, I
really think that some fields require such 'good judgement', that one
really shouldn't get a second chance after certain types of screwups.
That isn't to say that they should bhe permanently punished for one
mistake, but that being a pilot is an honour and a privilege, and not
having that privilege isn't a punishment, as much as it might feel
like it.

I really wouldn't want to see these guys go to jail. They screwed up,
they know it, and they will pay a very hefty price (with their
careers, likely). But being allowed to be an airline pilot brings with
it the higest demand for responsibility and professionalism. And these
two pilots failed to meet that standard in a *stunning* manner. All
they had to do was to abide by the rules that we, as pilots all
follow. Personally, I would never get in an airplane againt with a
pilot who knowingly chose to operate an aircraft while intoxicated.
That shows such terribly poor judgement that I could never again trust
their judgement when it comes to flying. If a surgeon botched an
operation because he was drunk, I doubt I could ever trust him again
in such a situation, regardless of how hard they have worked to fix
their life. Same goes for an airline pilot.

Cheers

Cap


(Rick Durden) wrote in message om...
Captain,

In general, you're correct. However, there has been at least one
airline captain who managed to get his life straightened out after
alcoholism, getting busted,prison and a lot of self evaluation. A NWA
captain did get his position back in circumstances that were
completely appropriate. He served prison time, realized he'd been a
screwup, straightened out, and was leading a completely straight life
with extensive volunteer work for aviation groups. His friends saw
the change and pressed the airline, getting his job back, many, many
years later.

People do screw up. Some of them recognize it and make corrections.
It would be interesting to see what happens with these folks. In this
day and age we are pretty quick to condemn everyone, no matter what.

Despite the hype, there hasn't been an airline accident in which
alcohol or drugs was even considered a factor in decades. Maybe that
goes to prove that airliners are really easy to fly g.

All the best,
Rick

(Captain Wubba) wrote in message . com...
"John Smith" wrote in message . ..
Well, if they are prepared to continue flying drunk (and lets face it, with
blood 0.091, they were), hopefully they will not get their jobs back, from
anyone. Unsafe pilots should be grounded, end of story.


"Edward Todd" wrote in message
...
Florida cannot prosecute pilots

http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/08/05/pi...ing/index.html

Not only will they not get their jobs back, the FAA pulled their
tickets. Even though they probably won't go to jail, their careers are
*totally* over. They won't fly for anyone, at least not for years, and
even then it won't be for an airline. The only uniform these guys will
be wearing will say 'Burger King' on it.