Southwest Pilots Fired For Flying Naked
DALLAS, 4:53 p.m. CDT April 25, 2003 - Two Southwest Airlines pilots are now jobless after they allegedly flew a Boeing 737 without wearing their uniforms, or much of anything else, for that matter.
According to the company, the incident happened months ago, but that it released the pilot and copilot after an investigation.
One of the men reportedly claims that he removed his uniform because coffee was spilled on it, and that a flight attendant bringing paper towels and soda water to the cockpit was a witness.
Southwest won't elaborate, but a spokesman said the matter is an internal one that is under appeal.
However, some passengers say they can't imagine any situation that would explain the need to disrobe in flight.
"Spilling coffee and two pilots flying naked, that doesn't add up to me," Clarence Hill said.
Another passenger echoed that remark.
"They did it once, they'll probably do it again," Sergio Mendoza Jr. said. "There has to be a reason why they were flying like that, too."
According to the FAA, there are no rules against flying naked, although pilots do have to be dressed for all contingencies and emergencies when flying below 10,000 feet.
Whatever the reason or details, Southwest has deemed this particular incident inappropriate.
Meantime, the pilots are reportedly trying to get their jobs back.
DALLAS, 4:53 p.m. CDT April 25, 2003 - Two Southwest Airlines pilots are now jobless after they allegedly flew a Boeing 737 without wearing their uniforms, or much of anything else, for that matter.
According to the company, the incident happened months ago, but that it released the pilot and copilot after an investigation.
One of the men reportedly claims that he removed his uniform because coffee was spilled on it, and that a flight attendant bringing paper towels and soda water to the cockpit was a witness.
Southwest won't elaborate, but a spokesman said the matter is an internal one that is under appeal.
However, some passengers say they can't imagine any situation that would explain the need to disrobe in flight.
"Spilling coffee and two pilots flying naked, that doesn't add up to me," Clarence Hill said.
Another passenger echoed that remark.
"They did it once, they'll probably do it again," Sergio Mendoza Jr. said. "There has to be a reason why they were flying like that, too."
According to the FAA, there are no rules against flying naked, although pilots do have to be dressed for all contingencies and emergencies when flying below 10,000 feet.
Whatever the reason or details, Southwest has deemed this particular incident inappropriate.
Meantime, the pilots are reportedly trying to get their jobs back.
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