Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Today

Court Hearing For Two America West Pilots Accused of Operating Aircraft Intoxicated

Aired August 05, 2002 - 10:04   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Also this morning, a court hearing for two America West airline pilots accused of operating an aircraft while intoxicated.

CNN's Mark Potter has been following this case. Let's check in right now with him to get the very latest.

Good morning Mark.

MARK POTTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Leon.

The two former America West pilots, Thomas Cloyd and Christopher Hughes, made their first public appearance in court today since their arrest July 1, and they ran into a judge who laid down the law. That's Judge David Young here at Miami-Dade circuit court. The pilots, through their lawyers, had asked to be able to return to their homes in Arizona, also to travel to Missouri and to Texas. The prosecutor says he was OK with that, but the judge said that he had some problems, and he laid down some restrictions.

HARRIS: We have two individuals charged with very serious crimes. And they have to understand there is some consequences to their actions. Simply being able to go back to Arizona, which I have a problem with, quite frankly. I mean, the state doesn't have a problem with it, so I'm not going to intercede. But the fact of the matter is, that I don't want them flying to Missouri, and to Texas and to going to a show in Texas or going -- taking care of family matters in Missouri. That's not a appropriate.

POTTER: So the judge has spoken very firmly. He said that the pilots must call into the court once a week, they must surrender their passports. He said he didn't want them flying out of the country, even in a crop duster. They must attend all hearings in Miami. He also said that they must not drink alcohol between now and their trial dates. Sources have said that the men last month enrolled in an alcohol rehab program.

The trial date was set for October 21st. The men are charged with operating an aircraft while intoxicated. If they are convicted of both the felony and misdemeanor counts, they could face a maximum six years in prison. Their attorneys have said that they might consider trying to work out a plea deal somewhere down the road, but of course, that depends on what the prosecutors offer -- Leon. HARRIS: Mark Potter reporting live for us. Thanks very much, Mark.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com