In a Utah courtroom, lawyers are in the process of arguing over a fight between two airline pilots after one threatened to kill the other - which he says was a 'misunderstanding.'
The co-pilot allegedly threatened to shoot the captain after he suggested they divert the flight due to a passenger's medical emergency. Jonathan J. Dunn, a former Delta Air Lines pilot, made his first appearance in federal court in Salt Lake City.
He was charged with interfering with a flight crew. His lawyer tried to describe the altercation as "a misunderstanding," while prosecutors called it a "grave offence."
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The argument happened on a 2022 flight from Atlanta to Salt Lake City. The captain had suggested diverting their flight to Colorado if a passenger's condition got worse. But Dunn objected and threatened to shoot the captain, accusing him of "going crazy." If found guilty, Dunn could be jailed for up to 20 years. His trial is set for March 12.
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Dunn admitted to threatening the captain but claimed it was a joke, according to the court documents. However, the captain didn't find it funny and feared Dunn might use his gun to take control of the plane. Dunn's lawyer, Huber, argued in court that his client wasn't dangerous and pointed out that he had no criminal record.
During the lawsuit, the pilot told the judge that he was 'joking' (AFP via Getty Images)The court papers also reveal that Dunn seemed to understand the seriousness of his actions, telling Delta officials, "This could have been much worse. In hindsight if I had been threatened, I would not be able to operate."
Dunn, from Rapid City, South Dakota, was previously allowed by the Transportation Security Administration to carry a firearm on board. But the TSA has now taken away this permission, and Delta has confirmed that Dunn no longer works for them.
Ross Aimer, an aviation expert and CEO of Aero Consulting Experts, explained that the programme allowing some pilots to carry guns on domestic flights was introduced as a security measure after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
When the government realised it would be too costly to have an air marshal on every flight, they let pilots like Dunn volunteer for training to become federal flight deck officers.
According to the TSA, pilots wishing to take part need to be checked and trained at a New Mexico law enforcement centre before they can carry a firearm on board. They also have to undergo regular health exams, disclosing any depression or anxiety issues as well as their habits of taking medicines, drugs, and alcohol.
A representative for this training said: "There are extensive protocols attached to how you carry this weapon." Adding, "you're not supposed to take it out of the cockpit, or even out of the holster, unless it's absolutely necessary."
He further revealed that all commercial flight captains are taught how to handle disagreements peacefully and must quickly report if any co-worker shows alarming behaviour. On the subject of a recent in-flight squabble, which took place during the last share of a three-day cross-country ride between Dunn and the captain, it came up that the captain found fault with Dunn questioning his decisions throughout the trip and felt Dunn was playing the role of what he termed a "right-seat captain."
Dunn, who is a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserve had previously been downgraded from his position due to his refusal of the COVID-19 jab. Following the midflight disagreement, an Air Force mouthpiece confirmed that his access to sensitive information and the air operations centre had been suspended.
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