Southwest Pilot Suspended For Slurs, Swearing Over Air Traffic Radio
Jun 22, 2011 | 11:42 am
#1
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Southwest Pilot Suspended For Slurs, Swearing Over Air Traffic Radio
Houston Pilot Suspended For Slurs, Swearing Over Air Traffic Radio
Air traffic controllers in Houston first alerted Federal Aviation Administration supervisors on March 25, 2011, around 1:30 p.m. and those supervisors forwarded a tape of the episode to Southwest Airlines to take action against the pilot.
The Southwest Airlines pilot, who was not identified by the FAA or the airline, could be heard talking to his co-pilot in the cockpit, expressing frustration over the airline hiring so many flight attendants that he found to be unsuitable for dating.
"A continuous stream of gays and grannies and grandes," the pilot said over the Houston Center air traffic control frequency, which covers hundreds of miles over Texas.
<snip>
Southwest Airlines responded by saying the pilot was suspended without pay, but the airline would not say how long that suspension lasted.
Airline spokesperson Brandy King declined to answer questions about the punishment, saying the airline considers it a "family matter."
The Southwest Airlines pilot, who was not identified by the FAA or the airline, could be heard talking to his co-pilot in the cockpit, expressing frustration over the airline hiring so many flight attendants that he found to be unsuitable for dating.
"A continuous stream of gays and grannies and grandes," the pilot said over the Houston Center air traffic control frequency, which covers hundreds of miles over Texas.
<snip>
Southwest Airlines responded by saying the pilot was suspended without pay, but the airline would not say how long that suspension lasted.
Airline spokesperson Brandy King declined to answer questions about the punishment, saying the airline considers it a "family matter."
Jun 22, 2011 | 1:08 pm
#3
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Think about how many actors, politicians, and other folks over the years have said something that they certainly would never have said if they'd have realized that there was an active microphone present. I seem to recall then President Reagan making a comment to the effect that we'd start bombing the Russians in 5 minutes, and that's just one example.
Embarrasing? Sure, but if one thinks about it for a moment there but for the grace of God go any of us, no matter what the subject matter being discussed...
The most pervasive "hot mikes" are my kids--they pick-up everything.... It keeps one on their toes...
Jun 22, 2011 | 1:20 pm
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Jun 22, 2011 | 4:49 pm
#5
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Even if SWA doesn't fire him, he might as well quit. In one tirade he pissed off, homosexuals, elderly people, overweight people and to top it all off he then went on to b&^@# about the two flight attendants, one of whom "might have been doable" but all she wanted to do was push her sister forward and complain about her husband" (women).
The guy will be a pariah on every trip he takes and would be wise to pour his own drinks.
The guy will be a pariah on every trip he takes and would be wise to pour his own drinks.
Jun 22, 2011 | 4:55 pm
#6
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Even if SWA doesn't fire him, he might as well quit. In one tirade he pissed off, homosexuals, elderly people, overweight people and to top it all off he then went on to b&^@# about the two flight attendants, one of whom "might have been doable" but all she wanted to do was push her sister forward and complain about her husband" (women).
The guy will be a pariah on every trip he takes and would be wise to pour his own drinks.
The guy will be a pariah on every trip he takes and would be wise to pour his own drinks.
Jun 23, 2011 | 12:02 am
#11
Join Date: Jun 2007
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Lack of professional conduct
We know everyone is entitled to their opinion, but in a corporate environment professional conduct and respect are expected. Unfortunately these kind of events/comments happen all too often, not only in the flight deck, Southwest or even just airlines; hate, bigotry and ignorance are alive and well and there is no room for them in the workplace. In this case this person's carelessness and lack of professionalism got him in trouble. He works for a public company he is subject to a code of ethics/conduct set forth by the company and supported by its investors. I am disappointed in the way Southwest "disciplined" this pilot, I do not think sensitivity training is going to keep him from doing it again. He should be terminated. If you sympathize or feel the same way please let Southwest Airlines know: https://www.southwest.com/contact-us...MER-CONTACT-US
Jun 23, 2011 | 12:04 am
#12
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So much for the "Southwest Spirit".
How embarrassing. I think it's funny how they all go "It wasn't me" and "not us either" or "then they wonder why airline pilots have a bad reputation" at the end of the recording LOL.
http://www.click2houston.com/video/28313494/index.html
How embarrassing. I think it's funny how they all go "It wasn't me" and "not us either" or "then they wonder why airline pilots have a bad reputation" at the end of the recording LOL.
http://www.click2houston.com/video/28313494/index.html
Jun 23, 2011 | 12:27 am
#13
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You never know who's listening...
