Southwest Airlines Pilot Removed from Cockpit Over DUI Charge

A pilot for Southwest Airlines, identified as David Paul Allsop, was removed from his position before a scheduled flight from Georgia to Chicago due to allegations of driving under the influence. According to reports, he exhibited signs of intoxication, prompting airport police in Savannah to intervene prior to flight 3772's departure to Chicago's Midway Airport.

In a statement, a representative from Southwest Airlines confirmed that the employee had been suspended, expressing regret for the disruption caused to travelers. The airline emphasized that the safety of its employees and customers is its top priority. Allsop's bail was reportedly set at $3,500, and he has since been released on bond.

Under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, airline personnel must be removed from duties involving safety-sensitive operations if their breath alcohol content is 0.04 or higher, or if they are found violating alcohol rules. The FAA has not disclosed Allsop's particular breath or blood alcohol levels, but pilots are forbidden from drinking alcohol within eight hours prior to a flight. They are advised to abstain for at least 24 hours for safety reasons.

The FAA highlights the critical nature of pilots maintaining clear faculties to prevent potential disasters, noting that alcohol creates a significant risk factor that must be controlled. Furthermore, random alcohol testing is mandated for pilots each year to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. In a related context, a Delta pilot faced legal consequences last year after being arrested for appearing intoxicated before a flight, resulting in a jail sentence.