SCRANTON - A Texas pilot convicted of operating an airplane while intoxicated at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport nearly two years ago was sentenced Friday to six months in jail, two years probation and more than $2,000 in fines.

Scott Russell, who was a pilot for Sky King Airlines of Sacramento, Calif., performed preflight preparations as the co-pilot of a May 12, 2004, flight and, with the pilot, taxied the plane to the main terminal, all while under the influence of alcohol. Before take-off, he removed himself from the flight.

About three hours after the flight was to leave, his blood-alcohol content was 0.083.

The level at which an adult Pennsylvania driver considered intoxicated is 0.08.

He pleaded guilty to the charge in October last year. He has until April 28 to begin serving his sentence.

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