American Airlines pilots say they welcome the carrier’s dramatic decision to award 5% profit sharing to employees, but they are also aware that the gesture is not without shortcomings. American said Wednesday that it will offer 5% profit sharing to all employees, except for top management, starting with profits earned in the current year. A spokesman for the Allied Pilots Association, which represents American’s 15,000 pilots, backed the profit sharing plan. However, APA has not formally responded to the offer, which requires union approval. ‘We are in the process of reviewing it.” an APA spokesman said Friday. “Our process is disciplined and methodical.” <br/>
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American Airlines cancelled a scheduled flight from Detroit to Philadelphia Saturday after a co-pilot was suspected of being intoxicated. The pilot allegedly tested above the legal limit for blood alcohol content, according to the FAA. The pilot was detained at a security checkpoint at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in suburban Romulus, Michigan. “This is a serious matter and we are assisting local law enforcement and the FAA with the investigation,” a spokeswoman said. She declined to say what range of penalties a pilot could face if found to be unfit for flight due to intoxication. FAA rules prohibits pilots from flying while under the influence of alcohol, specifically when their blood alcohol content is 0.04% or higher, or within 8 hours of consuming any alcoholic beverages. <br/>