Pilot arrested for drink-driving hours before he was due to fly to Gatwick

A Flybe pilot was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving just before he was due to take off to Gatwick.

The pilot was held at Newquay Airport in Cornwall, where he was due to fly to London yesterday morning.

Passengers faced delays after the arrest meant the flight had to be cancelled.

The pilot has since been bailed.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said: "A 48-year-old man from Crediton, Devon, was arrested on suspicion of being over the drink-drive limit.

"He was taken to Newquay police station. He has been released on police bail until December 8."

A Flybe spokesman said: "Flybe can confirm that one of its pilots volunteered to help the police with their inquiries at Newquay Airport yesterday.

"The airline is not able to comment further while the police investigation is taking place."

For pilots, air crew and air traffic controllers the alcohol limit is 20mg per 100ml of blood. The drink drive limit in the UK for motorists is 80mg per 100ml of blood
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