A Delta Air Lines pilot has been jailed in Scotland after showing up to operate a flight to New York with a blood alcohol concentration at twice the legal level for pilots.
Delta Air Lines Pilot Jailed In Scotland After Failing Alcohol Screening
Lawrence Russell, a 63-year-old Delta pilot, imbibed in hard liquor on the night before he was set to operate a flight from Edinburgh (EDI) to New York (JFK). On June 16, 2023, two bottles of Jägermeister, one that was half empty, were found in Russell’s hand baggage at EDI. Per policy, police were notified and performed a breathalyzer test on Russell. He failed. In fact, his blood alcohol concentration was at 0.49 (49mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood). In Scotland, the limit for pilots is 0.20 (20mg) while for drivers it is 0.50 (50mg).
Russell was taken into custody, but released after two days with instructions to reappear at a future trial date to be determined. On March 5, 2024 Russell returned to Scotland, where he pleaded guilty to reporting for duty while under the influence of alcohol.
The judge examined his history, candor, cooperation, and even his childhood upbringing. Acknowledging that he had been totally honest with the court and had no criminal record in Scotland, the judge still noted that Russell had been charged twice before with driving under the influence (DUI) and that his actions could have put hundreds of lives at risk.
As a result, Russell was sentenced to 10 months in prison, which he has now begun.
Sheriff Alison Stirling (the judge), told Russell:
“Custody is the only appropriate disposal, having regard to the serious nature of your offending. Your offense showed a high level of culpability, and a high potential for serious harm to have been done.”
After the incident last June, Russell was placed on long-term disability where he continues to draw half his salary. His medical certification has been revoked, but if he remains sober, he is eligible to re-apply for his Airman Medical Certificate and may be reinstated by Delta. Time is ticking, though…pilots in the USA face a mandatory retirement age of 65.
CONCLUSION
While this is a sad way for a senior captain to conclude his career, hopefully, this incident will forever positively transform Russell’s life. Alcohol abuse is a scary thing and even if the BAC would have been fine for a driver, pushing the envelope before a workday is simply not appropriate. But this mistake does not have to define him…it could be the day that he gets his life back. That might be cause for celebration.
