Video: American Airlines pilot says he'll divert plane and strand Trump supporters in Kansas if they

[highplainsdem]

Source: Business Insider

Video: American Airlines pilot says he'll divert plane and strand Trump supporters in Kansas if they don't 'behave'


A pilot on an American Airlines flight from Washington, DC, to Phoenix, threatened to divert the plane and strand unruly Trump fans in Kansas.

The flight was on Friday, two days after a mob of Trump supporters broke into the US Capitol, which derailed Congress's session and led to five deaths.

From the beginning of the flight, Videos show people chanting "USA" and "fight for Trump."

-snip-

He said: "This is the way it's gonna be… it's a four and a half hour flight to Phoenix. We'll put this plane down in the middle of Kansas and dump people off — I don't care. We will do that if that's what it takes, so behave, please."

-snip-

Read more: Lihttps://www.businessinsider.com/video-american-airlines-pilot-threat-strand-trump-fans-dc-phoenix-2021-1

---

American Airlines told the NY Post they stood by the pilot. They also said some passengers were refusing to wear masks.



A video with the pilot's announcement:

Link to tweet

[Irish_Dem]

1. It was just like a big vacation and lark, a game to them.

Everyone in high spirits, enjoying themselves after committing federal crimes.

I still cannot wrap my head around this.

[PatSeg]

34. Yeah

Like a trip to the Super bowl. Just a bunch of fun and games with a heaping helping of mayhem and violence. I try to imagine what dull, meaningless lives these people must lead that this is what they must do to fill their time.

[Irish_Dem]

62. Exactly yes like going to the Rose Bowl with a group.

I was trying to think of the exact social occasion it was reminding me of.

High spirits, fun, games, drinking, fun on the airplane.
But instead of watching a football game they are going to overthrow the government.
Someone else pointed out they acted like they were doing a civil war reenactment.

Right, what does it say that this is their hobby and source of entertainment.

[PatSeg]

70. That is how it looks to me

Complete with the bizarre costumes and face paint. "Hey Frank, I couldn't get tickets to the Rose Bowl, so how about we go storm the capitol and overthrow the government Wednesday? We can get back in time for the Sunday drag races."

What really blows my mind is they seem to think there will be no repercussions. It was just a raucous outing with their best buds. Innocent fun I suppose if you are a privileged white male, cuz you know, "Boys will be boys".

Willie Nelson should release a new version of one of his popular songs and call it, "Mama, don't let your babies grow up to be assholes".

[Irish_Dem]

71. One of them now is claiming that he was invited to Wash DC by the US president.

I guess he cannot be trespassing if you have an invite by the Pres.
And the cops waive you in.

Right, lets over throw the government on Wednesday, kidnap or kill some sitting members of the US congress. We can do a public execution on the lawn in front of the building. Then get back to the airport in time for the red eye back home.

All of them kept repeating the same phrase, storming the congress and having a revolution.
White male privilege, boys will be boys, just having some fun and standing up for the president and saving the country.

I am still shaking my head.

[PatSeg]

83. Well, when Trump was inviting supporters to

come to DC on the 6th, he probably thought Trump was speaking directly just to him.

How much crap have these "boys" gotten away with their entire lives, that they thought they could get away with insurrection? Meanwhile of course, they had permission from the most powerful man in the world. They are going to be awfully disappointed when Trump doesn't post their bail or pay for their attorney.

[Irish_Dem]

90. I agree I do not think Trump will help them in the least, even with a pardon.

They have served their purpose and he is done with them.
They are in for a rude awakening.

[PatSeg]

98. Yes, Trump is the ultimate user

they have just been disposable tools. Reminds me of Berzelius "Buzz" Windrip in "It Can't Happen Here". A lot of the dialogue is practically identical, especially the bits about "The forgotten man".

[Bayard]

72. Have fun storming the castle...

[PatSeg]

84. I cannot tell you

how many times that has popped into my head the past few days!

[niyad]

92. That was my second thought about elizabeth from Knoxville, after, "is she for real??"

[DarleenMB]

56. No worries

When the FBI comes knocking at their door and hauls them off in chains they'll finally see the party's over.

[Irish_Dem]

64. Who knows, maybe they will think that is part of the game and take selfies.

I have no idea when reality will hit them.

[PatSeg]

85. Oh my god, you know I can picture them doing that

Like a bunch of good old boys after a drunken brawl, waiting for someone to post their bail. "It was all in good fun you know. Dint mean no harm."

[Irish_Dem]

91. Being thrown in jail is part of the charm, part of the game.

But arrested by the FBI, in federal custody for federal crimes.
That may not be such fun.

[PatSeg]

99. That's a good point

I'm sure a lot of these guys have been arrested before and brag about it. Federal custody surely will be a different experience for them. Life is such a learning experience.

[Irish_Dem]

100. Sometimes we have to learn the hard way. :(

[PatSeg]

102. Yes and this will be good for them

They should be grateful!

[Bengus81]

63. Wonder if they started in on their usual "freedom of speech" bullshit?

You'd think those pukes who always yak about the Constitution, free speech and wrap themselves in the flag would take a few minutes to understand it.

[Irish_Dem]

66. They have no idea what they are taking about, it just sounds good to them.

And the people who know better just lie their asses off.

[PatSeg]

86. Reading a history book or at least the Constitution

would be a good start. The ignorance is breathtaking.

[Irish_Dem]

93. That assignment might be too much to begin with. :(

Maybe Trump can loan them one of his "books."

[PatSeg]

96. Yeah

They'd have to turn off the TV and get off the computer.

[niyad]

94. You are assuming that they can read??

[PatSeg]

97. Well enough to post hate and sedition online

[Shrek]

2. No thanks

I live a couple of miles from the Wichita airport. I don't really need these people around.

[Fritz Walter]

3. The FBI might be interested in this flight's manifest

Especially the names of the disruptive passengers. If there's video of them chanting, it might be possible to identify them by row and seat.

[njhoneybadger]

7. They are interested and they already have it.

[DeminPennswoods]

15. This year's Darwin Award finalist field will

be crowded!

[MLAA]

50. Ha! Exactly.

[oldsoftie]

4. And i hear a person saying "he has no authority.." Actually, yes, he DOES.

[localroger]

5. The MAGAts all seem to have a problem figuring out who does and does not have authoritah nt

[SergeStorms]

8. Cartman.

Cartman has the authoritah, and it should be respected.

[AZ8theist]

48. Exactly.

[trueblue2007]

101. these "Trumpers" who don't respect AUTHORITY are all like the pink pig in this video

i say .... dock them all up .... Get a " Tuxedo " CAT DESTROYER to be let lose on their naked private areas !!!!

That will learn them !!!

[ancianita]

12. Right. As much as a captain of a ship.

[Major Nikon]

20. So says the FAA and the Code of Federal Regulations

14 CFR § 91.3 - Responsibility and authority of the pilot in command.

(a) The pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that aircraft.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/91.3

[housecat]

33. Good to know

[MontanaMama]

39. THIS.

When you take a seat on an airplane, you agree to the rules of the airline. It’s pretty easy for most folks to grasp. Not for MAGAts apparently.

[NHvet]

45. For some

It was probably the first time on an airplane. Greyhound really doesn't care what you do on their lbuses...

[DarleenMB]

57. Actually

They do ... people have been tossed off a bus for bad behavior.

[Grokenstein]

87. Last time I flew (which has been a while)

...the passenger's ticket and/or boarding pass contained a full contract the passenger agreed to by checking in--what the airline would be liable for, what the passenger is allowed/not allowed to do, etc. Years ago I got into an online argument with some "Ah'm a Murikan, I kin do wat Ah want wenever Ah want" proto-MAGAt about inflight behavior and he seemed a bit startled by this revelation-in-plain-sight. Naturally, in his mind this was clearly "unconstitutional" (the Constitution clearly being another contract that he had never read).

[not fooled]

76. Just as with Covid

these dolts apparently can't grasp the concept that sometimes their behavior should be modulated for common-sense health reasons. Childish.

Disrupting a jet flying at high altitude isn't a bright idea.

[Major Nikon]

105. Getting thrown off for bad behavior is more common than people think

Furthermore it isn't anything new and has been going on for as long as planes have been flying passengers. When you can't behave yourself the plane will land at the nearest suitable airport and you are met by the police. If you avoid going to jail you are on your own getting to wherever you are going and you won't be going on the same airline.

[SergeStorms]

6. Animals.

Disgusting, criminal animals.

[niyad]

19. Animals do not behave this way.

[DBoon]

43. I'd rather have an emotional support pig next to me on a flight

than one of these Trumpers

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

9. This is no way to treat people ...

... who are quietly sitting in a terminal in Kansas.

Don't drop a troop of shrieking monkeys on us, please.

[groundloop]

52. I'm pretty certain the offenders would be arrested at the terminal

It's a federal crime to interfere with the safe operation of an airplane, and that most certainly includes not following instructions from the Pilot in Command.

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

74. It also includes not following instructions from the rest of the crew.

It's not necessarily a "no obnoxious behavior on the airplane," or else no screaming babies would ever be allowed on the airplane (to sit behind me). The entire crew is responsible for the safety of the flight; an unruly group--or a Karen--who keep the flight attendants from doing their jobs, which include making safety announcements on the P.A. or enforcing the mask rule, could find themselves met by federal agents at the gate.

There is the exception, of course, for couples who wish to use the lavatory to join the "mile-high club."

[Rebl2]

59. How about Goodland

KS. Doubtful they have an airport that can handle a large plane though. Just don’t know.

[sanatanadharma]

10. A plane full of kids in the back seat

Unloved inner-child tantrum syndrome is especially manifested in today's regressive-conservative-cult.
Toddler psyches in adult form.
Un-masked (sic) morans.

[kimbutgar]

68. +1

All the mf45 supporters I’ve known tell me they had difficult childhoods. One side of my husbands family his now ex brother in law did not spare the rod and used to tell the kids at 18 they are on their own and had to leave his house. All 4 of the kids are in the cult.

And a mf 45 supporter my husband works with came in fist pumping and cheering for what happened on Wednesday. My hubby said to him you must have had a crummy childhood. When he said it the guy stopped.

[BeyondGeography]

11. "Isn't this AMERICAN Airlines?!?"

I’d like to thank these people for making “American” the code word for all forms of mindless self-indulgence and entitled dipshittery.

[sarge43]

23. Adding my thanks for degrading the flag.

No, I don't have a flag fetish, but now when I see one (public buildings excepted), I think Magabot.

[Dukkha]

27. That's usually what they're screaming

as they are being taken into custody.

[Captain Zero]

28. Guy responds, "they did this, same thing, on our way here."

So round trip bad behavior.
And we wonder why their political maturity levels are so LOW ?

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

65. We didn't learn nothin' on the way TO Washington, ...

... why do they think we'll learn anything on the way BACK???!!

We're Mericans! USA! USA!

[LudwigPastorius]

82. They're so stupid they think the corporate name means...

the airline represents, or is controlled by, the United States government.

What's their next move, storming Federal Express and demanding it overturn oppressive state laws?

Occupying MacDonald's in an attempt to force it to start serving haggis and black pudding?

Suing Whirlpool Corporation because they don't make hot tubs?

Suing Goodyear because 2020 was so shitty?

[mwb970]

13. "If you kids don't behave, I am pulling this plane over RIGHT NOW. I mean it!"

[Lucky Luciano]

16. Exactly - I came here to post this! LOL (in a sad way)

[peacebuzzard]

14. If I saw a group of MAGA red hats, I wouldn't board

under current events. If I were on, I would be dinging the bell and gathering my stuff and yelling I am out of here while the boarding door would still be open.

No way I am going for an extra landing in Kansas.

Right after the 2016 election, I was on a flight with an emboldened Maga guy who was so obnoxious babbling idiotic quips about Hillary, snowflakes, wanting beer etc all this before take-off. These idiots will soon be retreating under the rocks never to return.

[sheilahi]

17. No offense Topeka

They'd better behave or they will soon find out that 10 years in a federal prison is preferable to a week in Kansas.

[niyad]

18. Nice of him to land before throwing them off.

[flamin lib]

47. My keyboard already has sticky keys from comments like this.

Too much coffee, wine and spirits blasted over it due to involuntary explosive laughter.

I'd buy a new one but with DU's wit and wisdom what's the point?

[niyad]

54. Absolutely agree! Small suggestion: a layer of plastic wrap around your keyboard might help just a b

bit. Easier to clean, and cheaper to replace.

[JudyM]

89. Ha! Yes it was.

So tempting...

[dalton99a]

21. Give that man a raise

[Major Nikon]

22. ...

[Totally Tunsie]

55. Hillary had it right!

[kacekwl]

24. WOW, How dare daddy treat us like the

whinning little brats we are. The all need a trip to the woodshed.

[DemoTex]

25. I've done it before .. I'd do it again, and here is why:

In 1989 I was the first officer on a Boeing 737-300 red-eye flight from SFO to PHL. We had a group of disruptive passengers (alcohol-fueled disruptions) that created a major distraction for the entire crew and, because of that, an inflight aircraft control emergency (at night, at 37,000 feet, over the Rockies) that very nearly became a disaster. We were just getting ready to start the descent into Denver to deliver the disruptive passengers to law enforcement when the inflight emergency occurred. We landed safely in Denver, and the disruptive passengers were taken into custody.

Another time, on a FLL to LGA flight, I had a flight attendant assaulted by a drunk passenger. Again, an unscheduled landing to deliver him to the authorities.

Another time, on a MIA to BWI flight, a bomb note was found in the forward lavatory, after a young guy had used it. Unscheduled landing, and FBI agents at the gate.

Yet again ... a drunk boarded in Las Vegas for a flight to Charlotte. Pulled a big knife (how he got it through security was an issue later) in flight when the flight attendants would not serve him alcohol. He slashed up two rows of seats with his knife (12 seats). Unscheduled landing in Memphis, with the feds meeting the flight.

And so on, and so on .. too many stories. Fuck yes I'd land .. and I'd ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS have law enforcement at the gate before we pulled up. And the aircraft door would not open until the LEOs were there and ready.

[pfitz59]

106. That's why I preferred cargo over passengers

Then again, I was military, so the passengers were usually well-behaved...

[Skittles]

107. I am curious what happens with these people

seems to me that people who disrupt flights should be charged with felonies......the other passengers do not have the option of walking away

[Dukkha]

26. Why are they not on the No-Fly list?

They probably are now, but they should have never been allowed to board that flight. Actions have consequences.

[turbinetree]

29. As a former technician or mechanic most people do not fully understand

that when you board that plane for convenience you are now subject to FAA rules and the US Marshall Service, Dept. Of Transportations rules and regulations, and that crew has a right to and a duty to fully enforce those rules and regulations, and if I was flying that plane I would have diverted and asked for the FBI to be at the airport to go through the video's to see if and where these fucking traitors were when they invaded my capital to threatened the peoples representatives and broke into offices and vandalized my house, my Congress and charged every last one of them and throw there fucking asses in jail for sedition, because they have blood on there hands , literally, and they should also be charged with accessory too murder of the Capital Police Officer Mr. Kevin Sicknick and since the airline has the flight manifest of all these traitors going to Arizona well turn it over to the FBI.................lock there treasonous ass's up..................

[Lonestarblue]

31. Given the ignorance of the law, this information needs to be broadcast before every flight.

An announcement in the boarding area repeating the laws, rules, and consequences would help.

[turbinetree]

36. They kind of do when they tell you to buckle up your seat belt...... and if you refuse

and the minute you go onto airport port authority, flying is just like driving its a privilege not a right

[twodogsbarking]

30. Why land?

Again, why land?

[DemoTex]

42. See my post above ..

[DarleenMB]

58. Your post was helpful

as I may never fly again but DemoTex was (I believe) saying why land the plane to offload the miscreants. Just shove 'em out the airlock and let them fly on their own.

[twodogsbarking]

69. Gravity can be a wonderful thing

when used properly.

[jmowreader]

103. Because the door won't open while the aircraft is in flight

An airplane door is shaped like a wedge. When the plane is pressurized the interior air forces the door against the frame, and it won't come open until the pressure is relieved.

Also, if you threw them out in flight they'd probably collide against an important part of the airplane.

You'd be better off landing, stopping in the cargo area, waiting until the police pull a pickup to the side of the plane, then just toss them into the bed of the truck. Add 500 gallons of fuel to make up for what you used on the unscheduled landing and take off again.

[James48]

32. Fort Leavenworth is in Kansas.

Last edited Sat Jan 9, 2021, 12:14 PM - Edit history (1)

Seeing that some of them are/were military, they could be held for safe keeping for some time.

[RicROC]

38. build the new Trump wing at the federal prison

Seems to me that there are several prisons in that town. Plenty of space to hold passengers who need to relax in safe cells.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

67. The Trump wing? That's the one with revolving doors and turnstiles?

Zoom in, grab a pardon or commutation from the brass ring, enjoy our cavity search services, zoom on out.

[Tommymac]

35. He needed to land near Leavenworth.

Save the taxpayers a few $ in transportation costs.

[jmowreader]

104. That's Kansas City International

And as for "transportation costs"...it's only 16 miles between the two, have them walk under armed guard.

[DeeDeeNY]

37. "Isn't this American Airlines?" They actually said this!

[rainin]

40. Everyone should be handed a flyer reminding them that masks are required

AND when they're observed not wearing one, the plane should make an unscheduled stop and escort them off. They should be charged the price of the stop and put on the no-fly list. The small print can make the penalty clear when they pay for the flight.

[mdbl]

41. Awesome Pilot!

[CRK7376]

44. Awesome job protecting passengers

from unhinged loons that stormed the capital. I wish he had dumped them in Kansas or somewhere over the Gulf of Mexico....Well done American Airlines.

[flying_wahini]

46. "Don't make me stop this plane"......

[Hotler]

53. While reaching behind trying to slap anyone he can make contact with.

[birdographer]

49. Kudos to the pilot

I don't suppose the pilot of AF1 can do this? And instead of Kansas, a deserted island in the middle of the Pacific?

[Baitball Blogger]

51. I just figured it out. White right-wingers see the world like their ticket on a commercial airflight

gives them the right to act like they're on a chartered plane.

[paleotn]

60. Drop below 10K

open the passenger door and toss their ass out to the strains of Tom Petty's "Learning to Fly".

I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
Coming down is the hardest thing

[Swamp Country Po Boy]

75. 10,000 feet?

But, jeez, that would kill th---oh. Okay. I get it!

[Bengus81]

61. We already have enough of those asshats..

[not fooled]

77. Going to Phoenix?

The humiliation just keeps piling up for AZ this week--Gosar objecting in the House, then the maggot horned "shaman" terrorist, now this.

The sun cooks their brains.

[Roc2020]

78. all chuckles and grins until

the FBI shows up at your door.

[Initech]

79. It's like going to the Super Bowl, but with a bunch of idiots on board.

[IsItJustMe]

80. I guess these people thought they were on a school bus going to the next town over for a basketball

game. Air plain is a little different.

[Historic NY]

81. I don't know why they are upset...

they should think of the Captain as Trump having people thrown out of his rally.

[Laha]

88. Poor widdle snowflakes

Complaining that they aren't allowed to annoy other people.

[pat_k]

95. "American Airlines told the NY Post they stood by the pilot"

That's very good to hear.

One question: Why were the people who refused to wear masks allowed on the flight in the first place?

If I absolutely had to fly somewhere, I would never board the plane if any passengers refusing to wear a mask were allowed on board. (Or would disembark if any seated passenger wasn't wearing a mask.)

Any failure to enforce a mask mandate is outrageous. I've never seen anyone who attempts to enter a store without a mask allowed in here in Seattle. There is a hell of a lot more air circulating in a store than in a plane.

P.S. on edit:
If he'd been forced to follow through on the threat, I'd pity the poor people at the airport there left to deal with the militants.