Pilot about to fly from London to Chicago was allegedly drunk

Chicago Tribune

November 10, 2009 12:16 PM 

A United Airlines pilot was arrested at London's Heathrow Airport Monday on charges that he was about to fly 124 passengers to Chicago while drunk.

The pilot was arrested by London Metropolitan Police after he failed a breathalyzer test. He was released on bond, according to British media.

United did not identify the pilot but said he has been "removed from service."
Airline spokeswoman Megan McCarthy said United Flight 949 was scheduled to depart London at 12:05 p.m. London time for O'Hare International Airport. It was carrying 124 passengers and 11 crew members.

The passengers, who already were on board, were put on other flights to Chicago, she said.

McCarthy referred all questions about the pilot and the circumstances of his arrest to British authorities. She did not know his length of service with United. British media reported his age as 51.

The airline released a statement that said: "Safety is our highest priority and the pilot has been removed from service while we are cooperating with authorities and conducting a full investigation.

"United's alcohol policy is among the strictest in the industry and we have no tolerance for violation of this well-established policy."