Flight delayed after pilot fails alcohol test

AN Aer Arann flight from Bristol to Cork was delayed for four hours on Thursday after the pilot was arrested on suspicion of being over the legal alcohol limit to fly.

The ATR72 flight was due to leave Bristol at 5.10pm but was delayed when a new crew had to be flown to Bristol to take over the flight.

The pilot had been involved in a lengthy layover in the airport so was in civilian clothes when he was breath tested. After being found to be over the legal limit to fly, he was arrested under the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 for attempting to perform an aviation function while his “ability to perform the function is impaired because of drink”.