A United Airlines Pilot Faces License Suspension and Sentence for Alcohol Limit Violation in France

A United Airlines pilot, aged 63, recently encountered severe consequences after arriving for a shift in France with a blood alcohol level three times above the legal limit. The incident occurred at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) on July 23, 2023, just before his scheduled flight to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

The pilot’s condition raised concern when a police officer observed “obvious drunkenness” during the inspection on July 25, 2023. The officer noted the pilot’s staggering gait, glassy eyes, and pasty complexion, leading to legal action.

In court, the pilot claimed to have consumed only two glasses of alcohol the night before his 5 pm flight. Nevertheless, he faced the consequences for operating an aircraft while under the influence.

As a result of the incident, the pilot received a six-month suspended prison sentence, a €4,500 ($4,948) fine, and a one-year suspension of his pilot’s license. The judge highlighted the gravity of the situation by reminding the pilot that his actions put 267 passengers at risk and could have resulted in a potential plane crash.

United Airlines promptly responded to the incident by removing the pilot from service and cooperating fully with French authorities. The carrier emphasized its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards for its customers and crew, with a zero-tolerance policy towards alcohol-related violations.

In light of the pilot’s misconduct, Flight UA331 was canceled, causing inconvenience to passengers who had planned to travel on that route. United Airlines assures the public that they will take all necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future, prioritizing the safety and well-being of their passengers and staff.

Overall, this unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the strict regulations in place to uphold aviation safety and the severe consequences faced by those who violate these vital protocols.