American Airlines Pilot gets Drunk, arrested 1 Hour Before Flying Aircraft

troubled flight

A ‘drunk’ American Airlines pilot has been arrested at Manchester Airport – minutes before he was due to fly.

Flight AA735 was scheduled to depart for Philadelphia at 11.05am on Thursday but had to be cancelled.

A 62-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of “performing an aviation function while over the prescribed alcohol limit”, Greater Manchester Police said today.

The force said Friday that police “received a report that an airline pilot may have been under the influence of alcohol”.

He has been bailed, with American Airlines “fully co-operating with local law enforcement.

A GMP spokeswoman said: “Shortly before 11am today, police received a report that an airline pilot may have been under the influence of alcohol at Manchester Airport.

“Officers attended and a 62-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of performing an aviation function when over the prescribed limit of alcohol.