Northwest 188 Pilots' Licenses Revoked by FAA

On October 21, 2009, pilots flying Northwest Flight 188 overflew their destination by over 150 miles after their pilots were out of contact with controllers for over 77 minutes. After contact was reestablished between the pilots and the controllers, the controllers requested an explanation from the pilots of the aircraft as to why the pilots had lost communication with the controllers to verify that the pilots had control of their aircraft consistent with protocols established post 9/11. In response to the controller's inquiry, the pilots indicated that they had been "distracted" during the flight. In fact, the pilots were allegedly out of contact with FAA controllers for approximately 77 minutes while the pilots were discussing their company's new crew-scheduling program vis a vis their laptop computers as their plane flew past their destination (Minneapolis) by 150 miles.

Both pilots have had their licenses suspended by the FAA. This breach of professionalism should result in consumers taking action. Consistent thereto, I have notified Delta (the new owner of Northwest) that I will not be flying any aircraft operated by this carrier for at least a year. Albeit the pilots have been sanctioned, the airline needs to take responsibility by assuring the public that this type of action will never be repeated. The pilots' conduct was totally unacceptable and constitute a gross misconduct and a threat to the public safety.

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