A Columbus man was one of two United Airlines pilots arrested over the weekend on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol while preparing to fly from Scotland to New Jersey.
Paul Brady Grebenc, 35, of Columbus and Carlos Roberto Licona, 46, of Humble, Texas, appeared in Paisley Sheriff’s Court on Monday for violating a part of Britain’s Railways and Transport Safety Act that states pilots cannot fly with a blood alcohol level above .02, according to a NBC News report.
The report said the pilots were arrested Saturday morning as they attempted to check in at Glasgow Airport. Authorities have reportedly declined to say how much alcohol was in their systems.
The men appeared in court Monday, but did not enter pleas, according to the report. A further court date is pending.
Grebenc is a Fort Worth, Colorado, native who now lives in Columbus.
Grebenc, a major, has served as a pilot in the 43rd Flying Training Squadron at Columbus Air Force Base since 2012, according to CAFB’s public affairs office. The 43rd Flying Training Squadron is a part of the Air Force Reserve Command’s 22nd Air Force and provides associate instructor pilots to augment a cadre of active duty Air Education and Training Command instructor pilots.
According to the Daily Mail, Grebenc has worked as a T-6 instructor pilot and a KC-135 instructor pilot.
Grebenc’s Facebook profile, which has since been deactivated, said he has worked with United Airlines since April 2015.
“The two pilots have been removed from service and their flying duties,” United Airlines spokesperson Erin Benson told The Dispatch in an email. “We are cooperating with the authorities and will conduct our own investigation as well. The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority.”
Alex Holloway was formerly a reporter with The Dispatch.
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