Southwest Airlines Pilot Arrested for Flying While Intoxicated

Incident at Savannah International Airport

• ✈️ A Southwest Airlines pilot, David Alop, was apprehended before a flight for allegedly attempting to fly while intoxicated.
• 👃 TSA agents detected the smell of alcohol on Alop's breath as he passed through security.

Confrontation and Field Sobriety Tests

• 👮 Airport police responded to the call and confronted Alop in the cockpit during pre-flight checks.
• 🍻 Alop claimed he had consumed several light beers approximately 10 hours prior.
• ❓ When asked to perform a field sobriety test, Alop initially refused, stating there was "no need."
• ⚠️ He later failed two out of three field sobriety tests, with officers noting an odor consistent with an alcoholic beverage.

Consequences and Pending Charges

• 🩸 Alop refused a blood draw, which officers stated was his willful choice.
• ❌ Consequently, officers escorted him from the airport, and his pilot's license was revoked by the FAA.
• ⚖️ Criminal charges are still pending against the pilot.
• ⏳ The flight Alop was scheduled to pilot was delayed for several hours as Southwest Airlines arranged for a replacement pilot.