The U.S. Airways pilot who accidentally fired his pistol in the cockpit while on approach to Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CLT) in March 2008 has been reinstated after an 18-month suspension. He testified that he was putting his weapon away when it discharged. The bullet pierced the cockpit wall and fuselage. Fortunately, no one was injured.
The accidental discharge was the first such incident since the program that allowed flight deck officers to carry weapons on board their aircraft was approved after September 11, 2001.
The pilot, Jim Langenhahn, resumed training last Monday after a Federal arbitrator ordered him back to work. As part of the settlement, he will not receive any back pay or other benefits, and will no longer be allowed to carry a firearm aboard an aircraft.
CAPTION: (UPPER LEFT) Airline pilot with his weapon of choice (Photo courtesy of Google Images)
A slide show with photos of various types of chisels follows this article.
Related articles:
Fight or Flight: Air India does both
Vegetarian busted for food comments
Terminal Man visits San Diego
San Diego on best airports top 10 list
TSA detains passenger with hand grenade
Bullet birds a threat to airline safety
Hoofers hoodwink touristas at airport
San Diego to Sturgis and hog heaven
Parking at airport can be free
Organic To Go Airport eatery
Yan Can Cook offers gourmet food
Time Travels at San Diego Airport
Choosing a frequent flyer program
CAPTION: (UPPER RIGHT) Airline passenger with his weapon of choice (Photo courtesy of Google Images)
Before the incident, he had a stellar record with the airline, and as a U.D. Air Force pilot. A Department of Homeland Security investigation faulted the design of the locking holster that flight crew member use, claiming that it contributed to the accident.
The Government's Inspector General recommended that TSA cease using the holster, and come up with another alternative to safely stow weapons. A TSA spokesperson disagreed that the holster was flawed.
The airline industry has been hard pressed during this economic downturn to find ways to generate additional revenues. Many have started charging for checked luggage. United Airlines has come up with a $249 annual baggage "subscription fee", which allows up to 8 passengers traveling under the same reservation to check up to 2 bags a person, without additional charge. United calls this program "Premier Baggage." Others call it chiseling.
Of course, there may be a fee imposed for getting those 8 group members ticketed, and seated together. Additional fees accrue for early seat selection, exit row seating, and other priority seating requests on many airlines. Even low fare carrier Southwest, which has no assigned seats, has begun to charge for a priority boarding group.
But wait, there's more ways to skin a cat, and the flying public. Travel writer Arthur Frommer has announced that Australia's Qantas Airlines now imposes a fee of $7.70 a passenger on domestic flights, and $25 on overseas flights to use a credit card to purchase a ticket.
Irish carrier Ryanair makes up for their low cost flights by charging passenger the equivalent of $64 if they forget to check in online, before arriving at the airport. But if they remember to check in online they are chiseled approximately $8 for a web fee on each flight.
Are more fees likely? The San Diego Airport Examiner has long joked about airlines adopting onboard pay toilets. There are some ominous signs that such a policy is not far off.
CAPTION: (UPPER RIGHT) Cartoon about airline fees may not be a joke (Photo courtesy of Google Images)
Japanese carrier, All Nippon Airlines, has come up with a novel approach to inflight bathroom necessities. The airline advises its passengers to use airport rest rooms before boarding their flights to save weight, and cut back on carbon (and other) emissions. They probably save money on soap and toilet paper as well.
It looks like the friendly skies are getting a little less friendly these days. If you've encountered some unusual airline fees, please leave a comment about it.
My acknowledgment and thanks to Marc Friedman, the Minneapolis Airlines/Airport Examiner, for calling attention to many of these gems.
Please leave comments below or by email and subscribe to get future updates.
Comments
is that really a photo of weapon the pilot brings on board?
Wow, I hadn't heard of this. That's crazy. Thanks for the update.
The pay-to-pee thing is from those publicity-hounds at Ryan-Air who believe that all publicity is good publicity. I'd walk before I would fly them.
Had not heard that they were now charging to pick a seat. Wonder what constitutes early.
My fave is changing people to use a credit card- are we supposed to send a check or walk the cash over. Credit card fees are a cost of doing business- do what everyone else does, absorb them.
I do not understand why the airline cannot decide on what they want to make per traveler and just charge it and be done with it. This nickle and diming is annoying to say the least.
The issue on charging for baggage is people are all dragging their previously checked wheelies on-board and I think it is potentially dangerous and slows boarding. A 50 pound bag falling out of the overhead bin is a lethal weapon.
You're right- the skies are not so friendly.
Plaxico Burress gets two years in prison for accidentally firing his gun at a night club while this man gets suspended for a short time. Two completely different scenarios, but it is interesting how the law deals with situations dealing with firearms.
"bathrooms and accidental discharges"- that alone prompted me to read it!!! :) Great title, great content!
No unusual fees for me \, yet, but it does irk me that when your in flight (economy) and you had your first drink, with your food the only things you can get are beer, wine, soda, juice, and water. No big deal if your flight is only 3 hours, but during a 9 hour flight, you should be able to get a screwdriver with dinner, helps you sleep after the in flight meal! Does the vodka abandon the plane after the first round?
You've nicely pulled together a potpourri of information. Fun reading. Isn't this industry nuts? I had a flight attendant on WN Saturday tell a passenger who tried to get up while the seatbelt sign was lit to, "put your tush back in the cush"!
Love the headline! Goes right along with all the crazy things that are happening these days in the world of airlines. Pay toilets on an airplane, though... heaven forbid! Thanks for your creative use of humor to get the point across...
Your sense of humor in this article is a riot - love the hysterical headline and the slideshow is also a hoot. Great use of humor for a strange subject!
Received via comment on Linkedin AviationLink group
Oops. I didn't know it was loaded.
By Richard Snow Chief Financial Officer
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!