Freighter pilot pleads to operating cargo plane while drunk

A cargo plane pilot pleaded guilty in a Florida district court Tuesday to operating a Boeing 747 freighter under contract to the U.S. military while intoxicated.    A cargo plane pilot under contract with the Defense Department pleaded guilty Tuesday in a Florida district court to charges of operating the aircraft from Osan Air Base in South Korea to Yakota Air Base in Japan while intoxicated, the U.S. Justice Department said.
   According to the plea, Daniel R. Criss, 61, of Mims, Fla., was employed with a private company on behalf of the U.S. Transportation Command when he operated the Boeing 747 plane on July 14, 2015. He admitted to investigators that he was already under the influence of alcohol when he arrived for the flight from Osan Air Base. 
   “Before take-off, Criss’ co-pilots observed that he was having difficulty writing down the air traffic control clearance and discussed their concerns with Criss, who responded that he was tired and had not slept well. Throughout the flight, Criss remained in command of the aircraft despite his level of intoxication,” the Justice Department said.
   After landing in Yokata, Criss’ co-pilots believed that he was experiencing a medical emergency and called for help. Medical personnel noticed he slurred his speech and had an odor of alcohol on his breath.