An American Airlines pilot who was removed from the cockpit suspected of being drunk made a first appearance in court.
John Maguire pleaded not guilty to the charge of operating under the influence of alcohol.
Maguire, 50, was arrested March 26 on a suspicion of being drunk and removed from a Detroit-Philadelphia flight just before takeoff.
Investigators said he had a blood-alcohol level double the legal maximum for operating an aircraft.
Defense attorney Frank Manley entered a not guilty plea.
"The passengers deserve to know that the captain is healthy for safety reasons and I have complete confidence in Capt. Maguire. It’s important that people understand that the pilot is healthy for their well-being and their piece of mind," Manley said.
However Manley did say his client is undergoing treatment.
He didn’t say whether this is for alcohol dependency, citing health privacy laws.
A $10,000 personal bond was set and Maguire was ordered to undergo mandatory alcohol and drug testing.
If found guilty he could face 90 days in jail, a $500 fine and community service.
