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A Delta Airlines pilot faces jail time after pleading guilty to reporting for duty while intoxicated at Edinburgh Airport.
63-year-old American citizen Lawrence Russell Jr. was scheduled to captain a transatlantic flight to New York on June 16, 2023. However, authorities discovered Russell’s blood alcohol content exceeded the legal limit for pilots in Scotland (20 milligrams).
According to a court statement from the Judiciary of Scotland, Russell arrived at work with luggage containing two bottles of Jägermeister liqueur, one partially consumed. The flight was subsequently canceled, and Russell was dismissed by Delta.
“Delta was made aware of the incident and immediately removed the pilot from service,” a Delta spokesperson confirmed. “We conducted a thorough investigation in cooperation with Scottish authorities and offered apologies to impacted passengers.”
Sheriff Alison Stirling presided over the sentencing. Court documents detail how Russell admitted to consuming alcohol the night before and failing a breathalyzer test upon arrival. A subsequent blood test also confirmed his intoxication.
The legal blood alcohol limit for pilots in Scotland is significantly lower than the driving limit (50 milligrams) and even stricter than the U.S. standard (0.04). Additionally, U.S. federal regulations prohibit pilots from consuming alcohol within eight hours of a flight or performing duties while under the influence.
The court acknowledged Russell’s past struggles with alcohol but noted he successfully completed a treatment program and is currently in remission. However, his prior DUI offenses were considered.
Russell’s guilty plea on March 5th resulted in a reduced sentence from 15 to 10 months. Sheriff Stirling deemed a custodial sentence necessary due to the offence’s severity and potential danger.
“Your actions displayed a high degree of culpability and a significant risk of serious harm,” stated the Sheriff.
Court documents indicate Russell expressed remorse for the inconvenience caused to passengers and his employer.
Delta declined further comment on the matter due to privacy concerns. Russell’s attorney, Pamela Rodgers, could not be reached for additional remarks.
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