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 limit 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 0.049 (49mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood). In Scotland, the limit for pilots is 0.020 (20mg) while for drivers it is 0.050 (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 His medical certification has been revoked, but if he remains sober, he is eligible to re-apply for his Airman Medical Certificate and may be reinstated by Delta.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.
I assume this wasn’t his first time flying drunk, did any of his fellow pilots note his problem?
“While this is a sad way for a senior captain to conclude his career, hopefully, this incident will forever positively transform Russell’s life.”
Stop pretending to care, you just posted this for the clicks.
@ChiHsuan … well , you clicked . ha-ha .
Some of us click on every story for multiple reasons including trying to support a site we enjoy.
And of course to laugh at Aaron and his comments.
As for the Jager I will say anyone drinking half a bottle of it, and having a spare, has an alcohol problem. His career is effectively over and as Matt said, hopefully he accepts the help and enjoys the rest of his life.
Trash box trolls like you gotta keep trolling, in the trashiest way possible, I guess lol
And that is the sort of dimwitted comment from you that we love to laugh at little Aaron.
When you aren’t laughing at yourselves? I guess I should be honored. Now, don’t be late late to your next klan meeting.
British English in judge’s decision is much more proper and correct than American English .
Honestly it shouldn’t. Hope Delta does not reinstate him. Let him collect on his retirement.
And once he gets out of prison in Scotland, he should report straight to prison in the US for making Delta look bad. He had the potential to drive down the stock price with his wreckless actions
TDDS.
With two prior DUIs the judge issued an appropriate punishment. He has been given the path to recovery and hopefully he will follow it. Without placing others it risk ever again.
0 in the wrong place. Eg 0.05 not 0.5. 0.5 would very drunk
Who gets hammered with Jägermeister? LOL
@Santastico … +1 … hard to believe such a poor choice , in Scotland of all places .
No excuse. Should be fired without benefits or retirement. I think it’s insane he is still able to collect a salary. I know it’s harsh and that alcoholism is a real issue, but how can someone so trained and senior, who knows the consequences, do this?
I feel the same way about DUI. In my book, this is the first time he was caught, we don’t know how many other times he was able to get away with it. He was over double the limit and had the balls to carry the half bottle with him.
@Kip … What about gambling addiction ?
You are right. His benefits and retirement should be revoked. Delta should sue him for everything he is worth for putting the Delta Stock Price at risk. This fool could have plummeted the stock price down 20% or more and it would cancel out the profit that I am trying to make so I can buy more Delta stock.
Double edged sword. When you make punishments so severe for mental health & addiction problems you create an environment will people will hide them and not feel comfortable seeking help, potentially creating worse situations.
But the fact he’s had DUIs in the past makes it a bit fairer to be harsher with him
He’s still entitled to any credits he’s earned in the pension program. You can’t take that away.
However, he’s still responsible for his actions. Pilots are held to a higher standard. This gentleman knew this.
Delta is not encumbered to reinstate him. Sufficient grounds for dismissal. Best for all to call it a day and go their separate ways.
Probably has happened before for him and for others. I heard that was a special German Liquor. Posting a large picture denoting a “criminal” doesn’t do any good. We are all human and make mistakes.
I hope that the FAA does not reinstate his medical. The fact that he had two prior DUIs should have prompted the FAA to suspend or revoke his medical in the first place. His pilot certificate should also be revoked. One can’t go to prison for “making Delta look bad” but he should be terminated none the less.
Win-
A “Pilot Certificate” is not valid without a current medical certificate (USA).