NotPart91

This is a surprise. The TSA are now experts in determining Drunk in Public, DUI and FWI Offenses.

American Airlines co-pilot suspected of being drunk, airport spokesman says | Fox 59

When did the TSA Screeners start receiving Drug/Alcohol Recognition training and are they certified on how to recognize a person under the influence of such?

I'm in no way advocating FWI, but more of a critic how the TSA overreaches their administrative search authorities.

There are medical conditions that cause alcohol-like odors without drinking a single drop of alcohol.

TSA Screeners cannot detain, arrest or seize evidence, yet if you speak with some of these TSA Screeners they believe they can and frequently overstep their legal bounds. If they want TSA Screeners to Stop and Detain and or Arrest Airmen, for offenses other than concealed or prohibited items, (such as an alleged FWI Offense), have Congress grant them them the proper arrest authority, receive the proper training and prerequisite certifications.

Point being is that TSA continually oversteps its "Administrative Search Authority" and keeps trying to play a "Real Cop."

When these issues have been brought up, somehow the TSA lost the case files or "cannot release the requested information" using excuses, (that would never hold their weight in a court of law), which usually results in a mitigation of any proposed fines or a dismissal of the TSA's allegations.

JamesNoBrakes

Looks like Airport Police gave him the breathalyzer, not TSA, although TSA may have pointed him out to the airport police.

JohnBurke

Did you read the article that you linked? "TSA" isn't mentioned a single time.

From your link:

Where do you obtain information from your linked article that TSA overreached? The pilot failed two tests. There is no identification regarding who reported the pilot to be intoxicated. Both tests were administered by police. There is no mention of TSA.

EMAW

It's sad that there are pilots out there who would try to fly in this situation.
If it was a medical condition that gave him the appearance of being drunk, then he probably wouldn't have been fit to fly. I've heard of one instance of that situation a few years ago and tests revealed that the pilot had had at least one stroke. That's not someone I want flying my plane at that moment.

It's up to all of us to hold each other accountable. I don't care if it's a fellow crew member, TSA, ramp agent, or catering agent. I would hope that if they have a reasonable suspicion, they would alert the appropriate authorities.

DC8DRIVER

TSA agents may not be trained in administering alcohol tests, but, like your fellow crew members, they have a responsibility to prevent an intoxicated pilot from operating an aircraft.

8

NotPart91

American Airlines pilot arrested after failing two breathalyzer tests | Daily Mail Online

NotPart91

Most alcohol related FST's REQUIRE A MINIMUM of two breath samples, spaced approximately 15 min. apart.

Do you also know that some breath mints and mouth washes can register a positive BAC even though a person had not consumed any alcoholic beverages?

Do you also know that a field breathalyzer can be inaccurate up to .07 % BAC?

So these pilots could of been operating legally.

TSA receives no DRE or FST training so TSA' allegation of "acting strange" probably won't hold water.

Again, I don't condone FWI, (taking Leave will prevent that), but the TSA continues to play Cop and when their actions are called into question, they hide under the Blue Cloak of Secrecy.

Lets just wait until all the facts come out because it happened to a friend WHILE SHE WAS THE DESIGNATED DRIVER!!! Luckily, her attorney was able to get a blood draw to show a BAC of 0%.

JohnBurke

I really don't care. I really don't.

You started this thread on a rant about TSA and used an article which didn't mention TSA. Your rant wasn't about blood or breath tests for alcohol. It was about the TSA. Perhaps you should read the article before you post it and fly off the handle about it. You know, actually find something that backs up your rant.

The pilot in the article that you linked was tested for alcohol, by the police, twice. Not once. Twice. He failed both times. He arrested by the police. Not TSA. He wasn't tested by TSA. He was investigated and tested by the police.

Anyone who sees a safety issue on a flight has a duty to speak out. That means flight attendants, gate agents, other crew members, and yes, the TSA. If someone appears intoxicated, then it most certainly should be made known and that person should be prevented from flying. If that person has alcohol-based breath freshener on his or her breath, then that can be addressed after the fact. FAR, FAR better than allowing an intoxicated person on a flight.

I've been into many FBO's that offered mouthwash in the mens room and there are times that I could use a breath freshener. When I've checked the mouthwash and found that it contained alcohol, I refrained from using it strictly because it could be misconstrued as alcohol and I don't want it in my mouth or even the perception on my breath. Your mileage may vary.

In the case you linked, the pilot showed up for duty drunk. I can't possibly imagine a world in which you might have the remotest cause for complaint that the pilot was identified, investigated, tested, and removed from service due to intoxication. There can be no question that what was done was right and correct. He can now defend himself in court, if necessary, while not posing a threat to the lives of the passengers and those on the ground, as well as the reputation of his airline and a hazard to other aircraft in the air around him.

You have a problem with removing a drunk from the flight deck????

NotPart91

Well, That was easy.

Now that we have that established.

I posted facts and you attack the messenger.

Like the 'ol saying goes; "If you can't attack the facts; Attack the Person."

MartinBishop

TSA actually has no law enforcement authority. They are simply screeners. They cannot detain or stop anyone. A while back there was a bill in Congress to remove the TSA "badges" from their uniforms because of this.