Jan 6, 2010

Airline pilot admits to drunk flying charge

American Airlines pilot Erwin Vermont Washington (pictured) of Lakewood, Colorado (Denver) was pulled from his trans-Atlantic flight to Chicago shortly before takeoff on suspicion of being drunk.

Mr. Washington has admitted being above the alcohol limit for flying a plane.

Washington was removed from UA Flight 949. He was due to fly from London's Heathrow Airport to Chicago on November 9 but the flight was stopped after a co-worker suspected him of being drunk.

The flight was canceled and the plane's 124 passengers were put on other flights

The 51-year-old pilot pleaded guilty at Uxbridge Magistrates Court near London on Tuesday. He was released on unconditional bail and will be sentenced on Feb. 5.

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