FAA may have decision soon in case of alcohol use by pilot

Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2001 | 9:33 a.m.

line THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Federal Aviation Administration might take action to suspend the flying license of a Northwest Airlines pilot who reportedly operated a passenger flight last week while under the influence of alcohol.

FAA spokesman Tony Molinaro said Monday the agency was reviewing the case and likely would make some kind of decision Tuesday. Meanwhile, Northwest DC-9 co-pilot Timothy McCourt is undergoing alcohol treatment after being fired on Friday.

McCourt, a Las Vegas resident who was hired by Northwest in November 1997, made the early morning takeoff Thursday of Flight 1047 from San Antonio. He landed the plane smoothly at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, where a Northwest ground worker detected the scent of alcohol on him.

Northwest said the pilot failed two Breathalyzer tests administered by the company. According to the results of both tests, McCourt's blood-alcohol concentration was above the federal legal limit for pilots of 0.040 percent.

Northwest disclosed the incident Friday after reporting it to the FAA. Later, the company said no other crew members aboard Flight 1047, including the captain, had any contact with McCourt in the 12 hours preceding the flight.