An American Airlines pilot was caught over the legal alcohol limit in the Manchester Airport before he was set to fly a plane to the U.S. He admitted his guilt in court today.
David Copeland, 62, was scheduled to fly an American flight from Manchester Airport on February 7 to Philadelphia when security worker Jordan Fletcher smelled alcohol on Copeland's breath as he passed through security checks.
Fletcher notified a senior colleague who contacted police, which were then sent to Terminal 3 to discreetly take Copeland out of the cockpit. Manchester Magistrates' Court conducted a breathalyzer test and the reading was an "air fail."
Copeland was taken to the police station and the flight was canceled.
At the police station, Copeland blew a reading of 27 micrograms of alcohol in 100 milliliters of breath which was over the legal limit of 20.
Today in court, Copeland admitted that he was impaired by alcohol and will be sentenced on May 8. His defense team asked for sentencing immediately, however, Judge Hadfield replied:
"Given the risk that was taken, the numerous passengers on board put at risk, in my view it's far too serious, bearing in mind the sentencing power of this court."
Judge Hadfield has adjourned proceedings for the Manchester Crown Court.
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