Israeli consul denied seat on U.S. flight because he was a 'security risk'

Israel Insider ^ | 7/14/2002 | Israel Insider

[Israel Insider]

Israel's consul general in New York, Alon Pinkas, was denied a seat on a National Airlines flight from San Francisco when the plane's pilot screamed at security personnel, "I don't care what you do, he will not get onto my plane." The pilot said that Pinkas's presence would endanger all the other passengers on the flight.

The incident occurred Thursday night, Yediot Aharonot reported, shortly after Pinkas had completed public relations work in San Francisco. He was due to return to New York on the National Airlines flight. Upon his arrival at the airport, security officials informed the pilot that the Israeli consul would be getting on board the flight, and the pilot responded that he would not fly the plane if there was an Israeli diplomat aboard.

According to media reports, the pilot nearly had a temper tantrum in the airport terminal as he argued with police officers who demanded that he let Pinkas board the plane. The manager of National Airlines' San Francisco office threatened the pilot that if the press reported on the incident, the pilot would lose his job.

The pilot apparently broke down in tears, and was said to be close to a nervous breakdown. Pinkas saw what was happening, and asked to be booked on a different flight. In the end, he returned to New York on Continental Airlines.

"It appears to be the case of one stupid guy and not a systemic problem," Pinkas said.

San Francisco Police registered an official complaint against the pilot, and the United States State Department is investigating the incident. Sources at Israel's Foreign Ministry said that they would file a complaint with National Airlines, asking that the pilot be disciplined.

[Cachelot]

Upon his arrival at the airport, security officials informed the pilot that the Israeli consul would be getting on board the flight, and the pilot responded that he would not fly the plane if there was an Israeli diplomat aboard.

And what nationality might this pilot be?

[cardinal4]

In light of all the scrutiny that the America West pilots brought to pilots,you'd think this guy would have kept a low profile.

[dighton]

"Welcome aboard National's nonstop 767 service from San Francisco to New York. This is your captain, Justin Raimondo."

[Catspaw]

This was your first clue, wasn't it?

The pilot apparently broke down in tears, and was said to be close to a nervous breakdown.

[johniegrad]

This is not the only pilot having a difficult time these days. I have had referrals for "fitness for flight" examinations from others. Interestingly, they seem primarily to be non-military trained pilots. Maybe the ex-military guys know more about flying under adversity.

[SouthernFreebird]

The pilot apparently broke down in tears, and was said to be close to a nervous breakdown.

And they let him fly a plane?

[newwahoo]

bawahahhahaha. Thanks I needed that!

In truth, the pilot and the diplomat should both be fired. The pilot is losing it and the diplomat wasn't very "diplomatic" in his remarks.

[EggsAckley]

I have that funny, sneaking feeling that perhaps some ot the facts have been left out of this story....

[FreedomPoster]

I think we need to hire him to retrain our State Department. We need more guys telling it like it is.

[Jonah Hex]

(snicker, chortle, wheeze)

OK, you got me with that one! LOL......

[Alouette]

And what nationality might this pilot be?

My first guess is female. If not female, then gay.

[McGruff]

The pilot apparently broke down in tears, and was said to be close to a nervous breakdown

Sounds like something Janet Reno would do under stress.
Anybody check his blood alcohol level?

[dighton]

The pilot apparently broke down in tears, and was said to be close to a nervous breakdown.

Then for the entire flight, Captain R. berated his passengers for their lack of self-control.

[dennisw]

HMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....................

[Timesink]

"Welcome aboard National's nonstop 767 service from San Francisco to New York. This is your captain, Justin Raimondo."

BWA-ha haaa! Brilliant!

[B Knotts]

ROFL

[Semper Paratus]

The pilot apparently broke down in tears, and was said to be close to a nervous breakdown.

He would be a good poster boy for the 'no guns in the cokpit' crowd.

[ml/nj]

Posted on 07/14/2002 10:46 AM Eastern by Israel Insider

It's 10:14 AM Eastern as I type this reply!

ML/NJ

[Timesink]

The pilot apparently broke down in tears, and was said to be close to a nervous breakdown.

Um ... don't commercial airline pilots have to be screened every six months by a psychologist precisely to prevent these ready-to-slit-their-wrists kind of guys from ever putting putting passengers in danger? And aren't they always watched by airline personnel, other pilots, etc, for the slightest signs of emotional problems?

Methinx his near-nervous breakdown was just of a "I can't believe I'm going to lost my job over some sh*tty little Jew" crying jag, nothing more.