Passengers stop flight after 'drunk' pilot sparks panic

[mgchristy]

Regardless of whether the pilot was drunk or not, I think Aeroflot's customer service reps could use a little refresher training.

One sought to reassure them by announcing that it was "not such a big deal" if the pilot was drunk because the aircraft practically flew itself.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/w ... 651516.ece

[simondix]

Trouble is Russia has a reputation for drinking amongst its' aircrew. Nothing seems to have changed. I remember watching a documentary on an Aeroflot pilot and they showed how they used to 'toast' whilst drinking in their hotel rooms, by holding their glass in the hand and touching hands, not glasses, so nobody could hear the chink of glass on glass.

[tinkicker]

To be honest Russian culture seems to include drinking vodka at all times, so i think it would be unlikely that any pilot would be tee total. but if you have drank most of your life it would have little effect on your body unless you drunk lots. Which it would seem this pilot had to cause concern. But the comment that the aircraft flies itself tho not totally untrue? is quite funny and working in customer service for years myself, is something we most sinicle of us would say.LOL