Southwest Airlines Pilot’s Obscenity-packed Tirade about San Francisco ‘Weirdos’ Prompts FAA Investigation
A Southwest Airlines pilot this month ranted while in the cockpit about how much he hated San Francisco and its denizens, prompting a Federal Aviation Administration investigation. The remarks were picked up on an air-traffic-control scanner over Mineta San Jose International Airport, SFGate.com reported this week.
The pilot, who Southwest has not named, called San Franciscans “f---ing weirdos, probably driving around in f---ing Hyundais.” Additional comments indicate he was frustrated with the condition of the city’s roads and how its residents drive.
He added: “F--- this place, goddamn liberal f---s.”
While the pilot continued complaining, Southwest Airlines Flight 531 reportedly was identified, and air-traffic controllers could be heard giving directions.
The pilot’s diatribe took place March 12 and was posted on the internet livestream Live ATC. San Jose airport personnel reported the incident to the FAA.
Southwest Airlines told SFGate that the company was “fully addressing the situation internally.”
An FAA spokesperson said in a statement that its regulations require cockpit crew to talk only about subjects related “to safely conducting their flight” while taxiing and flying below 10,000 feet.
— Douglas Perry
@douglasmperry
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