A former United Express pilot has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver for operating an aircraft under the influence of alcohol on a flight from Austin, Texas to Denver in late 2009.
The U.S. Attorney’s office in Denver said today that 32-year-old Aaron Jason Cope, of Norfolk, Va., was the first officer, or co-pilot, on United Express Flight 7687, operated by Shuttle America, on Dec. 8, 2009.
The indictment said Cope “unlawfully operated and directed the operation of a common carrier while under the influence of alcohol.”
Cope has been served with a warrant and “he’s expected to appear in court this afternoon or tomorrow in Norfolk,” said U.S. Attorney’s office spokesman Jeff Dorschner.
Federal authorities were notified after the airline received a tip that Cope was flying while intoxicated, Dorschner said.
If convicted, Cope faces up to 15 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000, according to federal officials.
“The message this case sends is simple: Pilots who drink and fly will be prosecuted and face incarceration,” U.S. Attorney John Walsh said in the statement.
Shuttle America is a subsidiary of Indianapolis-based Republic Airways Holdings, which also owns Frontier Airlines.
“Republic Airways has a zero-tolerance policy for violations of its restrictions on alcohol consumption,” the company said in a statement. “We conducted our own internal investigation and will cooperate in any way asked with relevant authorities as they review this case.”
Republic said Cope “is no longer employed with the company.”
According to the airline holding company, Shuttle America has 56 Embraer 170 and 175 regional jets that it flies as a contract carrier on regional flights under the United Express and Delta Connection names for United Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
The U.S. Attorney’s office said Cope’s case is being investigated by the USDOT’s office of inspector general and the Federal Aviation Administration, “with full cooperation by Shuttle America.”
Shuttle America is one of at least 10 carriers that fly regional routes under contract for United under the United Express, Continental Express and Continental Connection names, according to United financial documents. United and Continental Airlines recently merged.
