FLYING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Posted on 01/29/2016 | About California City, California

A retired captain with 31 years of service has been charged with piloting an airliner while under the influence of alcohol. David Hans Arntson of California was arraigned in federal court on one felony count for two flights with Alaska Airlines.

A criminal complaint with the US District Court states that Arntson piloted two flights on 20 June 2014; the first was Flight 573 from San Diego to Portland Oregon, and the second Flight 580 was from Portland to Orange County. When he landed in Orange County he was asked to submit to a random drug and alcohol test. It is alleged by the US attorney’s office that when he saw the drug and alcohol tester Arntson said to his co-pilot “I bet it’s for me.” He posted blood alcohol readings of 0.134 and 0.142 percent. The legal alcohol limit for flying an aircraft is 0.04. Arntson told investigators that he was sober, but on medication. The co-pilot and crew stated that they did not see him consume alcohol, nor did they detect any on his breath. Arntson was removed from ‘safety sensitive duties’ and was subsequently retired, due to medical reasons. He was freed on $25,000 bond and ordered to return 10 February 2016 for a hearing. If convicted he can face up to 15 years in prison. Said US Attorney Eileen Decker, ”Those in command of passenger jets, or any other form of public transportation, have an obligation to serve the public in the safest and most responsible way possible. We cannot and will not tolerate those who violate the trust of their passengers by endangering lives.”