Continental Fires Pilot Removed From Flight

A Continental Airlines captain removed from a flight because another employee smelled alcohol on his breath was fired Tuesday, the airline said.

The pilot, who was not identified, tested above the legal limit for alcohol for pilots, the company said. He was dismissed two days after being removed from the aircraft on suspicion of intoxication, said Sarah Anthony, a Continental spokeswoman.

The pilot was scheduled for Flight 706, from George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Tampa, Fla., on Sunday. It was his first flight of the day.

He rode on an airport bus to the terminal with another employee, who reported to the airline that he smelled alcohol on the pilot's breath. The pilot was removed from the aircraft before passengers boarded, Continental said in a statement.

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