Flying Under the Influence: A Southwest Pilot’s Mistake
A shocking incident involving a Southwest Airlines pilot has raised serious concerns about aviation safety. David Allsop, a 52-year-old pilot from New Hampshire, was arrested at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in January after failing a sobriety test. The test was administered just before Southwest Flight 3772 was set to depart for Chicago. According to police bodycam footage, Allsop admitted to drinking “a few beers” about 10 hours before the flight, which he later clarified as “like three” light beers, specifically Miller Lite.
The incident highlights the strict regulations surrounding pilot sobriety. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibits pilots from consuming alcohol within eight hours of a flight and having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04% or higher. Allsop’s admission and subsequent failure of the sobriety test led to his arrest, and the flight was delayed for four hours. Passengers were either rebooked or accommodated on other flights, with Southwest Airlines issuing an apology for the disruption.
This incident raises questions about the effectiveness of airline protocols in ensuring pilot sobriety. Southwest Airlines has stated that the safety of employees and customers is of utmost importance, and Allsop is no longer employed by the airline. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to strict safety protocols in the aviation industry.
