Pilot Charged with Flying under the Influence

Plane in the sky

The list of people most of us would not want to be charged with DUI is long. It includes police, fire fighters, ambulance drivers, cab drivers, ride-share drivers, bus drivers, and pilots. Yet, these are human people who sometimes make human mistakes. They will eventually have to answer for these mistakes.

A retired Alaska Airlines pilot has been arrested on federal charges stemming from an incident in June 2014 where he was found to have piloted while under the influence.

Last Wednesday, 60-year-old David Hans Arnston was arrested and arraigned on federal charges in Los Angeles. A press release from the U.S. Attorney’s office stated that Arnston was released on $25,000 bond and ordered to return to court on February 10th.

The U.S. Attorney’s office cited a criminal complaint alleging that on June 20, 2014, Arnston flew from San Deigo to Portland and then from Portland to Orange County. Upon landing at John Wayne Airport, authorities state that Arnston was randomly selected to undergo a drug and alcohol test by the airline.

A technician for Alaska Airlines performed two separate tests on Arnston after he was escorted from the airport to a testing facility. Authorities allege the results returned were a B.A.C of 0.13 and 0.14 percent. According to federal guidelines, a person piloting a commercial vehicle is said to be under the influence when their B.A.C is 0.10% or higher.

Arnston retired from Alaska Airlines after the incident, so he hasn’t piloted since the alleged incident occurred.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI, it is important to obtain representation. You will want a lawyer familiar with the DUI process. Our attorneys are all experienced in DUI matters. Contact us today.

Related Frequently Asked Questions