Southwest fires pilots for takeoff — of their uniforms
It's always good when I can work a little nudity into my writing. To be able to combine nudity with uncommon stupidity is a gift almost too good to be true.
Southwest Airlines has fired two pilots for allegedly turning their cockpit into a clothing-optional playpen.
The pilot and co-pilot — both men — were dismissed for allegedly taking off all or most of their clothes in the cockpit of their aircraft.
"Southwest Airlines conducted a thorough investigation and terminated the two pilots involved for inappropriate conduct," says spokeswoman Ginger Hardage, who would not elaborate. Southwest "will not tolerate any inappropriate or offensive behavior."....
The pilots involved are appealing their termination, sources say. They contend that one of them removed his uniform after coffee was spilled. A flight attendant saw them after being summoned to the cockpit to bring paper towels and soda water.
Southwest is treating the episode as a prank that went too far.
While the incident occurred on a Boeing 737 in flight, there's no implication that safety was breeched. And a Federal Aviation Administration spokesman says there's no specific prohibition against flying naked.
So there you have it; it looks as if the pilots might have a gripe. Speaking for myself, I could care less what a pilot wears. If he gets me off the ground and back safely and in one piece, he can fly wearing a thin film of Vaseline if he is so inclined.
