Pilot Irfan Faiz was four times over alcohol limit Published duration 20 September 2013

An airline pilot has admitted being more than four times over the legal alcohol limit just before being due to fly from Leeds Bradford Airport.

Irfan Faiz, 54, from Pakistan, was detained by police in the cockpit of a Pakistan International Airways Airbus at about 22:00 BST on Wednesday.

Leeds Magistrates were told Faiz smelled of alcohol and was unsteady on his feet before the flight to Pakistan.

He was remanded in custody to appear before Leeds Crown Court on 18 October.

'Breached trust'

Faiz was charged with carrying out an activity ancillary to an aviation function while impaired by drink.

The court heard he was four-and-a-half times over the legal limit to fly.

After pleading guilty, Faiz was told by magistrates that he had "breached the trust of the public" and the consequence could have been a serious loss of life.

A spokesman for the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: "A pilot attempting to fly while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is a major threat to flight safety.

"At UK airports the police have legal powers to test pilots for drink and drugs. Such incidents, however, are very rare."