This Is the Anti-Gay, Profanity-Laced Radio Rant That Got a Southwest Pilot Suspended
- Posted on June 23, 2011 at 7:43am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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DALLAS (The Blaze/AP) — Southwest Airlines Co. suspended a pilot whose disparaging comments about gays and older flight attendants were transmitted over an air-traffic control frequency.
The pilot was talking with another crew member and apparently didn’t realize that his microphone was on.
Below is an edited version of some of the remarks:
This is an unedited version. CONTENT WARNING, contains graphic language:
Southwest said Wednesday that the pilot was reinstated after going through diversity training. The incident happened in March and was reported this week by KPRC-TV in Houston.
The president of the Southwest flight attendants’ union local said his group asked its lawyers Wednesday to consider filing a bias complaint with the federal government.
The union official, Thom McDaniel, said attendants “do important work and should not be demeaned by pilots, managers or anyone.” He said Southwest tried to dismiss the pilot’s comments by calling them a private conversation.
On a tape of the two-and-a-half minute rant, the pilot can be heard talking about wanting to socialize with co-workers but complaining that many were gay or too old or too heavy. Sometimes using profanity and slurs, he called them “a continuous stream of gays and grannies and grandes.” An air-traffic controller in Houston told pilots in the area to check if their microphone was stuck open.
“The actions of this pilot are, without question, inconsistent with the professional behavior and overall respect that we require from our employees,” said Southwest spokeswoman Brandy King. She said the pilot was reprimanded and suspended without pay, although she wouldn’t say for how long. She said he apologized to air-traffic controllers and his bosses at Southwest.
Southwest said it also apologized to its flight attendants and pilots.
King declined to identify the pilot. She said he has worked for Southwest for more than a dozen years and has an otherwise good record.
The Federal Aviation Administration said it alerted Southwest after determining that the pilot on the tape was likely from Southwest.
FAA spokesman Lynn Lunsford said the incident occurred at a time in the flight when personal conversions are allowed in the cockpit but that the FAA “expects a higher level of professionalism from flight crews.”



















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Comments (143)
His Lamb is Satanic
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:40amGheys shouldn’t be allowed to fly.
Report Post »hi
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:33amThe air traffic controller should have interrupted him and let him know his mic was stuck . Gosh, it is usually IMPOSSIBLE to fire a union worker even for dumping a coke on a passengers head, but for free speech they do?
Report Post »Red1492
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 11:45amThe air traffic controller interrupted him twice. He was ranting so much, he didn’t hear. This isn’t a free speech issue. He’s not being jailed for voicing his opinion or letting the world know what a desperate jerk he is. I can guarantee you if I said anything like that at work, I’d be fired. Plain and simple. Free speech doesn’t guarantee you zero repercussions. You have a right to be as big of a jerk as you want. I have the right to fire you for being said jerk.
Report Post »Stljarhead
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:21amWord up to the pilot. Frankly it‘s damn annoying whenever one flies to have some guy who’s obviously flamingly ghey up in my face. I’m not talking low key, I‘m talking more effeminate than any woman I’ve known. Can’t blame him for not wanting to associate with them, and I’d say the same.
Report Post »SLIDELLMAN
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:21amNow that this is out in the open, expect the sodomites to come out swinging, demanding this guy be fired. Hide and watch.
Report Post »Ajohn
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:17amNo question about his suspension, however, with that said there is a grain of truth in his comment. In a recent trip (146,000 miles last year) to India I transferred from Delta to Air France in Paris. Delta attendants are surly, older, and heavier with many of them gay. While Air France’s attendants were a mix of some old, some young, kind, very attentive, much much thinner and yes some gay. I agree that service is the key, not the gender, age or sexual preference of the attendant, but if I have to pass an attendant in the aisle and have to scrunch into passenger space or I ask for a spicy tomato juice and the attendant give a lecture on salt (yes it happened) or I just never can get their attention for any kind of service or information, I try to find another airline. Unfortunately since the early 2000’s American carriers have gone down, down, down in customer respect, the attendants have gotten bigger and the service is very poor. In the last four years my business seems to be an inconvenience to the airlines in America. By the way I think South West is the one of better airlines.
Report Post »Shaggyzon
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:15amFree speech isn’t the issue. If you think that YOU have “free speech”, try going into work, ranting about social issues on the loudspeaker and see how your boss feels about it. The pilot was clearly unprofessional. He got reprimanded. End of story. This isn’t “news”, it’s just sensationalism.
Report Post »Willie Stoker
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:58amI think it’s about time we started exercising our first amendment rights, we need to say what we think, without the government or anybody else, interfering with what we say, or reprimanding us for saying things that some far left loon don’t agree with.
Report Post »wash1776
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:58amThe pilot should be fired as he has done this before and was even sent to a class for this which apparently did not work. Whatever his personal feelings are he should not be spewing that kind of hatred in the cockpit===mic on or not. He must have a pretty high opinion of himself to be so biased.
Report Post »nomercy63
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:55amWhat he said!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »Speak without Fear
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:47amSo what…..he spoke his mind. He chooses whom and what group he wants to associate with and who not to! It is his preogative.
Obamohammad choose to associate with radicals…..and racists…….but that is ok?!!
Hey….I am just glad he wasn’t praying to Allah….before flying the plane!!!!!
Report Post »Rob
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:42amIn AMERICA you should be able to use ANY words you want! FREEDOM!… but we have become soooo politically correct that it is now “freeDOOM”.
Report Post »busterpuddles
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:38amI actually agree with the pilot on gay issues. In the Bible, God says it’s an abomination. I don’t know what that means, but it doesn‘t sound like it’s good.
Though, yeah, he should’ve been more aware of who was able to hear what he was saying.
Report Post »Tammy_Beth
Posted on June 24, 2011 at 3:02pmin the Bible, it also says sex is for the marriage bed – so this guy, by his own testimony, has no basis to complain about anyone else’s unbiblical behavior. and it’s telling you know that the bible (supposedly) condemns gays but don’t seem to notice it also condemns fornication with the same words.
Selective application of scripture to those who are different than yourself is not religion – it’s bigotry.
Report Post »Apple Bite
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:16amBeing a pilot is hard work. But having a conversation is easy enough, regardless of your line of work. You do it all the time.
Report Post »jo blo
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:13amWelcome to America 2011, where free speech is all one-sided. Guaranteed if this had been a homofascist saying anti-hetero things, or a woman making ‘sexist’ comments about male workers, nary a word from the FAA or SWA. It doesn‘t help when even ’conservative media’ is jumping on the PC bandwagon. Why is this story even worth covering, unless it be from the perspective of our ever-shrinking rights of speech, which this clearly is not?
Report Post »Tammy_Beth
Posted on June 24, 2011 at 3:20pmUm…you might want to pay attention – 2 out of the three groups of people he derided WERE hetero people. His standard for disapproval was not “are they gay?“ but ”Do i want to screw them and will they let me?”
That‘s hardly a noble stand against the homosexuals and it’s hardly a slam at gays only. Your own bigotry leads you to see what you want to see here. it’s most revealing.
Report Post »RIGHTHOOK
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:11amThis is a bigoted person flying those 737′s! No way for SWA or any other airline to know EXACTLY what kind of character flaws are inherent of their personnel until something like this flairs up. I fly 75-100,000 a year and all I really want are well trained and safety conscientious people for flight attendants….period. Nothing else matters. Tough job dealing with the caliber of clientele that frequent the sky’s these days.
Report Post »imreddog
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 3:39pmExpressing ones disgust with perverts isn’t a charater flaw.
Report Post »Tammy_Beth
Posted on June 24, 2011 at 3:16pmneither is banging easy women in every port of call and loudly griping when not enough attractive sluts are at hand either, right?
Report Post »SafeguardOurLiberty
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:05amWhy is this pilot even saying anything like this while he is flying a plane? He should be concentrating on his job. *******. He should have been fired, not suspended. And who cares about how good looking a flight attendant is. Their job is to serve their customers and make the flight comfortable, not be a sex symbol for men to get off on. Plus, women fly just as much as men now. This whole “must be nice looking and sexy thing for flight attendance went out in the 70,s.
Report Post »Red1492
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 11:53amI agree. I just want to be alive when I reach my destination.
Report Post »hightide
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:03amWhat an idiot. Try to stay professional while on the job, OK…
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:03am.
Report Post »To the GLBT crowd. What he said x10……..
Gonzo
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:10amOK, it’s diversity training camp for you!
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:03am.
Report Post »Sadly I failed the last time lol…………..
Zoe
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:02amI continue to be disappointed with direction the blaze is taking…… Automatic audio when you land on their page……..? I guess I’m not part of the market anymore…… I‘d probably like it if we’re Glenn’s voice being himself….
Report Post »Meyvn
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:47amGet add blocker plus and block it all.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:50amI’m not a fan of the automatic videos playing either, nor the ads opening when your mouse happens to pass over them. BLAZE, I hope you are listening.
Report Post »one years food ration like glenn says
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:02amWho cares ? Everyone talks like that ( “ true feelings ” not necessarily THOSE word ) when they are talking with friends… He made an honest mistake and paid for it.. Not a problem..
Report Post »frodis
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:01amSo is homophobic speech the new racism the media is gonna jump on?
Report Post »SafeguardOurLiberty
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:13amThere is no excuse for this pilot to be saying things like this about ANYONE while he is flying a plane and in charge of 200 and some people. He not only insulted gays, he insulted women also. I really don’t care what he says in his private time, but not while he is serving the public.
Report Post »booger71
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:39amSo you are saying we only have free speech when we are not working?
Report Post »Red1492
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 11:40amEveryone has a right to free speech. It just means you won’t be arrested for it, not that their won’t be any consequences for it. If I said those things at work, I would be fired. It‘s not a private conversation when it’s during work time, on the job and broadcasted over the airwaves whether intentional or not. A co-worker of mine viciously complained about a top client in an email and accidentally sent it to the client. He was fired and we lost the account due to his rant. Even though it was an accident, there were still repercussions for all. If this guy wants to rant about his co-workers, I suggest doing it at home or away from the job. It’s not a flight attendants job to look pretty for the male species. Should they look professional? Yes. However, their age, sex appeal, gender or sexual preference should be of no consequence in performing their job. Airlines aren’t strip joints nor should they be required to be. As a frequent air traveler, you don’t see me complaining about fat, ugly or balding pilots. I could care less what they look like. I want to get from point A to point B alive and in one piece. Airlines aren’t running a dating service. I can guarantee he’s not much to look at either. Attractive and decent men don’t complain about their lack of access to women they find appealing. This guy got busting being the loser that he is. Should he go to jail, no. Should he be fired, I guess that‘s up to SW but I know I’d be fired from my job if I’d said wha
Report Post »American Soldier (Separated)
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 2:21pmExactly. Free speech just means the government can’t jail you for speaking your mind or disagreeing (verbally) with the government. At work, your employer has the final say as to the level of inappropriate conversations and actions in the work place. Would a stripper or bouncer get fired for this kind of talk? No, it’s part of their job. Should a doctor be talking like that about his patient as he’s cutting her up? If I were his employer, I’d say no and if caught, I would fire him.
Report Post »Tammy_Beth
Posted on June 24, 2011 at 3:12pmthe “media” will “jump on” anything sensationalistic. did you notice that the original video was on a Fox affiliate (not the same as Fox news but still) – did you notice you were commenting on it on a CONSERVATIVE Web Site? do you think the Blaze posts it because they are defending the gays?
Nope. The only media coverage it gets is because it’s sensationalistic, just like that idiot woman who killed her kid in Florida gets hours of attention.
Does the mainstream (so-called) liberal media have a bias? Oh YES! No logical person could deny it.
but that doesn‘t mean it’s the main objective – the main objective is to make money and that comes from ratings and ratings come from sensationalism.
I promise you, I see news stories every day on left wing sites which would make LGBT people look like victims and straight people look like predators – and those stories almost NEVER turn up on NBC/CBS/ABC/CNN and only occasionally on MSNBC even.
Because they are not sensational.
Report Post »swabby
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 7:57amJust goes to show you what is really in some people’s heart. In this case, it was obviously anger and hatred. You would probably never know it if you met him on the street.
Report Post »Aaron in Polk County
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:04amAnger and Hatred? He maybe shallow, but not hateful. The man just wants to get some ass. That’s lustful if anything.
Report Post »Aaron in Polk County
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 7:53amI fly a lot and have not seen a young, good looking stewardess on an American airline since 1990.
If you want to know where they are, they are on Virgin Airlines (British) and Air Asia.
Report Post »Aaron in Polk County
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:02amOh, and first class always have the better choice of stewards. I am not saying it’s right. It’s just the way it is.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 7:47am“the pilot was reinstated after going through diversity training” Diversity training. ..what a joke.
Report Post »one years food ration like glenn says
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:06amHey SNOW, do those tooth picks that hold open your eyes hurt at all ? I want to be on the Blaze commenting 24/7 too, but I can’t get myself to try the tooth picks due to fear of the pain .. Just wondering ? Let me know ,will ya ?
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:11amOh yes, what an excellent post. Don’t contribute anything, just dish out fatuous insults. Do you work for an airline by any chance?
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:13amYou’ve got the wrong number pal.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:16amnzkiwi: what an excellent post. Don’t contribute anything, just dish out fatuous insults to other posters. Did this story ruin your morning because you had two grooms on your wedding cake?
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:41amNope. Didn’t ruin my morning (actually it’s midnight over here) and no two grooms. I just get irritated by people making pointless insults.
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:42amAnd I cop one myself for saying so.
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:45amActually, I’ve just realised that you might think that my comment was directed at you. It was meant for “one years food ration like glenn says”.
Report Post »Meyvn
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:45amI should be called perversity training.
Report Post »Meyvn
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:17amIt rather… sorry.
Report Post »dnnyshdy
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:57pmGood he should not get punished for something like that.There’s a lot worse things that are happening in this world than a guy talking bad about gays.I don‘t want to be around gays either unless it’s two HOT lesbians.I joke.
Report Post »hersey10
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 7:46amTell us how you really feel .
Report Post »Aaron in Polk County
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 7:51amIf the airline stewards were as hot as his mic, he would not have had that conversation.
Report Post »Aaron in Polk County
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 7:53amAmerican airlines (all of them) are where old stewardess’ to retire and gays get hired.
Report Post »lovenfl3
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 7:57amNo beating around the bush for this pilot. While the things he said were awful, how could the union sue him? What law did he break? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNaZeZBGD2c
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 7:58amI have seen a web story saying the guy is back on the job and others that he has been fired for good.
Report Post »Southernguy
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:06amThat‘s why it’s called “Free Speech”, lol
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:14amThe airline has apologised for his rant, the union put in the perfunctory boot, but no-one has said he was wrong.
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:15amWrong in his assertions, I mean.
Report Post »hauschild
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:18amI certainly feel his pain.
Report Post »penismightier
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:24amPlease take a moment and really reflect on this – we now live in a nation where our personal thoughts are subject to the control of the PC POLICE. If you make politically incorrect private statements that are unintentionally overheard by others, you are now subject to forced brainwashing (sensitivity training classes), a public lashing (media scoldings and a scorn) and the possible loss of your job. This is very dangerous folks. And as far as what the guy said, I can understand his point. Who doesn’t use terms like that anyway when speaking in private? Maybe he should have used the term “gay” when referring to the flight attendents, but at least he didn’t call them “turd burglars.”
Report Post »obama brotherhood.
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:26amHe speaks the truth.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:28amThis pilot is a dumbass, what he said was unprofessional and uncalled for. That being said, they need to quit using the word “homophobic.” He is not afraid of gays, he is disgusted by their behavior.
Report Post »The word should have been “gay-behavior-hating.” Love the sinner, hate the sin.
TomFerrari
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:09amHIGHLY unprofessional.
Don’t discuss religion or politics while ON THE JOB – that is my personal policy.
That’s just how I describe it. In reality, I just refrain from non-work-related discussions while at work.
Sure, that keeps me from building personal relationships with my colleagues. But it avoids all such issues. I have plenty friends and family to discuss non-work stuff with and to socialize with.
Combine that personal policy with my reputation for boldly telling the truth, even to power, for being honest, for being reliable, for being dependable, for working hard – very hard, for not pointing fingers, for assuming responsibility, for delivering, for being attentive, for being intuitive, and for communicating well with people at ALL levels in the company, and my work ethic has served me QUITE WELL indeed!
Not everyone needs to do all those things – that is what is right for me. But, I contend it is always best to remain professional. Had he done so, he would be working now, not sitting at home listening to himself on national tv.
Report Post »teamarcheson
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:11amI LOVE flying South West and will now fly more often. That pilot should get a medal and a prize for telling the truth. Nothing to apologize for here.
Report Post »HermanK
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:13amI wonder who was most offended by his comment.
Report Post »corbecket
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:38amAnother pilot, as he ws handed off to another frequency, stated, “And people wonder why pilots have bad reputations”. He sounds….unpleasant.
As to being old, well that seems to be an odd thing to complain about given the gray hair in the pointy end of the plane. Gays, you get used to. If they do their job well (and they do), then there is no problem. Once you get past their rather “festive” personalities, they are pleasant enough to spend a four day trip with. There are more gay pilots than you might think. Every one I flew with, I would fly with again. Nice guys. They sure know the best restaurants.
Grandes? I hadn’t heard that one before, but since fat folks are not protected under federal programs, I guess they are fair game. It’s not like obesity is a foreign condition in the cockpit. Actually, there is a whole raft of fat flight attendant jokes that are pretty funny. I learned all of them from flight attendants.
Understand, my goal is to work with a crewmember, not sleep with them. This guys goal seems to be the latter. There are such people in the world……sigh.
I can tell you, after 20+ years in the cockpit, that this guy is aberrant. I doubt he’ll be fired, as it‘s fairly difficult to do if you’re a Southwest pilot. I can’t tell you whether diversity training makes a difference. I have never seen a case of it being successful for flight deck personnel. I generally just gives the Flight Department a pass so they can sy they sent the guy throu
Report Post »cessna152
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:50am“Southwest said Wednesday that the pilot was reinstated after going through diversity training. …”
__________________________________________________________________________________
You mean indoctrination and suppressing your opinions? I wonder would he have to go through this for disparaging remarks against Christians and Jews? Nope…..
BTW, there is no such thing as Racism, Hate speech or anything. It is OPINION and when we are not entitled to an opinion (even in poor taste) we are done!
Report Post »freeus
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 10:46amI will never accept homosexual behavior or “sensitivity training”.
Report Post »American Soldier (Separated)
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 11:45amSouthwest Airlines has every right to set their owe form of standard for their employees. A level of professionalism is also required. He failed on both accounts. Freedom of speech is protected by acts of Congress. Southwest has the right to determine whether an individual qualifies to represent that companies image and message.
Report Post »howardgoldman1975
Posted on June 23, 2011 at 5:15pmI find it interesting that this is even a story. This was a PRIVATE conversation.I am more worried whether the guy and take off, navigate, and then land a plane. Is anyone else becoming concerned on how the media is spying on people and then using their beliefs against them to trash whatever industry they represent? We saw this with Mel Gibson, earth to people, that was all about him making the passion of the Christ and shutting him down, had nothing to do with his beliefs. Look at Tracey Morgan, they shut him down because they realize a lot of straight black men are offended by male homosexual behavior. Now this pilot is front and center because Southwest is not a mainstream card carrying union airline like American, United, or Delta. He shouldn’t be fired for it. For those who are saying he should be fired for it, then just remember one day they will find a way to get to you. This is how it all starts…
Report Post »birddog52
Posted on June 24, 2011 at 1:43amI guess if he called Sarah Palin a ”****” the left would swoon and maybe get his own TV show . The loud mouths on the left get paid to spew there hate . This poor guy will have to crawl and beg forginess from the ****’s then go to mind controll class just to keep his job . Sure he screwed up but like I say , if it was about conservitives this wouldnt be a story . And the ACLU would charge to his aid and claim 1st admendment .
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