Not cleared for takeoff: United Airlines pilot grounded after showing up drunk

A United Airlines pilot had his license suspended after turning up drunk to work a flight from Paris to Washington-Dulles on Sunday.

French media reports that the pilot, identified as Henry W., received a six month suspended prison sentence and was fined 4,500 euros in addition to having his license suspended for a year.

According to local media, the pilot had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.132% – more than three times the legal limit set by the Federal Aviation Administration and six times the maximum set by Europe’s aviation regulator.

United Airlines did not confirm specific details of the incident, but in a statement to USA TODAY did acknowledge that it happened.

“The safety of our customers and crew is always our top priority. We hold all our employees to the highest standards and have a strict no-tolerance policy for alcohol. This employee was immediately removed from service and we are fully cooperating with local authorities,” the airline said.

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Reports in French media said police told the court that the pilot showed “obvious signs of drunkenness” at the airport, including staggering around and glassy eyes. 

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com