DETROIT – A 50-year-old American Airlines co-pilot who was arrested over the weekend at Detroit Metro Airport on suspicion of being drunk has been charged.
John Francis MaGuire, of Pennsylvania, is facing a misdemeanor charge of operating an aircraft while under the influence.
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An arraignment is pending.
The Federal Aviation Administration said MaGuire was detained Saturday morning from Flight 736 from Detroit to Philadelphia. Local 4 has learned he failed two breathalyzer tests.
Passenger Mitchell Blaine was heading to a spring break trip with other seniors from Gross Pointe North High School.
"Everyone was talking about it and stunned when they finally figured out what it was," Mitchell Blaine said.
The flight was canceled and all passengers were accommodated.
American Airlines released the following statement:
"This is a serious matter and we are assisting local law enforcement and the Federal Aviation Administration with the investigation. We will handle this matter appropriately as the safety and care of our customers and employees is our highest priority. Out of respect for this employee's privacy, we will not have further details to release. Flight 736 has cancelled and we are reaccommodating our customers on other flights. We apologize to our customers for the disruption to their travel plans."