Pilot Removed From Plane in Virginia Fails Test for Alcohol
NORFOLK, Va. — A Delta Air Lines pilot failed a test for alcohol after he was taken off an airplane Thursday at Norfolk International Airport, airport officials said.
Gary Schroeder, 42, had a blood-alcohol level of 0.07, Ken Scott of the Norfolk Airport Authority said. The Federal Aviation Administration’s limit for a flight crew member is 0.04.
Scott said baggage screeners notified airport police after detecting alcohol on Schroeder’s breath when he arrived to co-pilot the Cincinnati-bound flight.
Scott said Schroeder was cooperative and agreed to board a flight to Delta headquarters in Atlanta.
Delta spokesman John Kennedy said the airline was investigating. FAA regulations prohibit pilots from drinking alcohol within eight hours of duty. Violations can lead to license revocation.
Schroeder was cited for violating a city code that makes it illegal for aircraft pilots to be under the influence of alcohol while operating planes, according to police reports. A preliminary hearing was set for Jan. 9.
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