So - think there's any way these pilots are NOT getting fired?

[Paul F.]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091023/ap_o..._overflown

Doesn't really matter if they were involved in an argument, or asleep at the stick....
I'm guessing these two are headed for the unemployment line...

[OWC Jamie]

must have been the potent San Diego brownies.

[Bernie]

One more reason to have access to the cockpit, or an air horn.

[M A V I C]

I hear the airline is going to assess extra fees on the passengers for taking them an extra 300 miles. There's going to be an extra $15 fuel surcharge fee, $10 for the first bag, $20 for the second bag, $10 for a carryon, $25 joyride fee, $15 sightseeing fee and a $25 fee for returning the plane late. There's also going to be a $7.50 fee assessment surcharge.

[Janit]

M A V I C wrote:
I hear the airline is going to assess extra fees on the passengers for taking them an extra 300 miles. There's going to be an extra $15 fuel surcharge fee, $10 for the first bag, $20 for the second bag, $10 for a carryon, $25 joyride fee, $15 sightseeing fee and a $25 fee for returning the plane late. There's also going to be a $7.50 fee assessment surcharge.

...and the passengers will counter-claim for bonus frequent-flyer miles!

[Buzz]

Paul F. wrote:
Doesn't really matter if they were involved in an argument, or asleep at the stick....
I'm guessing these two are headed for the unemployment line...

the pilots' union has pretty good representation... I'd wait to find out more details before putting them "in line"... clearly there will be repercussions, but unless they fail drug/alcohol test, or other seriously adverse actions were taken on their part that come to light, or there are health issues involved, you'll probably see a negotiated punishment.

[h linamen]

i can believe they were distracted by a heated discussion for 10 - 15 minutes. Once on a business trip I and another colleague were so engrossed in our "business disagreement", we overshot our exit and went another 30 miles before we became aware. Did we feel foolish!

Not sure about the inability to make contact with the plane though.

[Racer X]

but to overshoot by 150 miles, they were distracted for over 200 miles. Your approach starts miles and miles before the airport.

[decocritter]

They were sleeping or having sex .....


I would not want them as pilots on any flight I was on, or any airplane I owned...I bet they get fired.

I bet there could be lawsuits from passengers for a variety of reasons.

[Racer X]

In Washington State, they can issue a traffic ticket for "inatentiveness" I see no reason why a pilot and co-pilot who aren't having radio trouble shouldn't get the FAA equivalent for not replying. Which should be WAY more punishment than a wee fine.