Flight Attendant Accused Of Alcohol Intoxication Asks Judge For Help
Flight Attendant Accused Of Alcohol Intoxication Asks Judge For Help Save Email Print
Posted: 12:04 AM Aug 6, 2007
Last Updated: 3:13 PM Dec 20, 2007


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It was a dramatic day in court today for a 26 year old flight attendant.

Sarah Mills, 26, is charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence, terroristic threatening and alcohol intoxication.

An Atlantic Southeast flight scheduled to leave Blue Grass Airport Sunday afternoon was cancelled because it didn't have enough crew members.

Police say Mills was pulled off the plane for being too drunk.

Court records say the captain notified police of Mills, then brought the plane back to the gate where police were were waiting.

Documents state that Mills threatened the captain of the flight saying "you are dead!" as she was escorted off the plane.

It also says Mills admitted to drinking Jack Daniels on board before take off.

The officer says he witnessed her clearly being unstable on her feet.

Soon after, passengers were forced to de-plane because the flight didn't have enough crew members. ASA officials say all passengers were re-accommodated to other flights to Atlanta, but some passengers say they decided not to fly after the incident.

In court, Mills pleaded for help from the judge, because she says she can't afford an attorney.

She says she just got this job and only had fifty dollars in the bank.

The judge set her bond at three hundred and fifty dollars, and ordered her a public defender.

Mills is due back in court August 14th.

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Posted by: Capt. Location: Paul on Jan 25, 2009 at 11:11 AM
It’s strange how the previous post from a Pilot! vouched for this woman’s case as he stated ‘Just adds to our duty day, our stress level, our fatigue. Funny how everyone is so concerned about drunk(ness), yet not fatigue. DO YOU KNOW HOW OFTEN YOU FLY WITH PILOTS THAT HAVE DUTY DAYS OF 14 HOURS, RUNNING ON 6 HOURS OF SLEEP - AND NOT BY CHOICE - IT'S SCHEDULED BY THE AIRLINES - BECAUSE THEY CAN - IT'S LEGAL.’ She just started the job, and CHOSE to have alcohol while working. That choice impacts the safety of all others around her. Shame on the pilot to be making the analogy of fatigue. Would you like to put your life in the hands of someone 35,000 ft n the air who is mentally impaired? This comes from a Merchant Marine Officer and Captain, who has those same long hours. Well you can have your cold one from a long, fatigued day. I’d just like to be sure I’m off the plane first.

Posted by: johnny Location: ky on Jan 3, 2008 at 07:19 AM
just think if they let her by with .03 what would be the next time probly drunk.that is the it goes.if the airline says no drinking that is what they mean.so dont drink

Posted by: former crewmember Location: atlanta ga on Sep 18, 2007 at 02:06 AM
Wow! The ignorance of the public is unbelievable! Crewmembers cannot drink ANY alcohol within 8 hrs of duty time. Failure to comply is a Federal Offense! And hello? ASA IS DELTA regardless of the color of the shirt. I used to work for ASA (always something airlines) and the workers are treated like legalized slave labor so I don't doubt this girl probably needed a drink, but she knew the risks and guess couldn't wait for her shift to end. Why on earth is there not this much public attention brought to the fact that the ASA crews are legally being made to fly fatigued to the extreme? That girl was hired on for about $17,000 per year with lofty hopes of achieving $30,000 after about 10 yrs of hard labor. They are treated badly by pilots, mgmt and passengers. Their job entails serving, stowing carryons, fire fighting, 1st aid, stocking catering, evacuation if necessary, screening passengers for terror threats, bomb detection AND removal if necesssary. Would you want this job?

Posted by: rock on Aug 25, 2007 at 08:03 AM
can anyybody make a decision anymore? I believe tne pilot should not be flying if he made a decision like this. .03??

Posted by: pilot Location: airlines on Aug 11, 2007 at 12:10 PM
.03 isn't much - however, not acceptable to the airlines/FAA. BUT - let's not forget the hours we work - MANY. Duty days can exceed 14 hours, several days in a row. Lets not forget about delays, due to weather, maintenance etc. (drunk Flight attendant)!! Does not mean the airlines will cancel our shift, surely the aircraft was repositioned at some time. Just adds to our duty day, our stress level, our fatigue. Funny how everyone is so concerned about drunk(ness), yet not fatigue. DO YOU KNOW HOW OFTEN YOU FLY WITH PILOTS THAT HAVE DUTY DAYS OF 14 HOURS, RUNNING ON 6 HOURS OF SLEEP - AND NOT BY CHOICE - IT'S SCHEDULED BY THE AIRLINES - BECAUSE THEY CAN - IT'S LEGAL. Lets not forget a long duty day is close to feeling intoxicated without the alcohol. Think about that next time you get on an airplane - an maybe write the FAA to change the rules, in the interest of SAFETY. Thank you!

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 11, 2007 at 07:51 AM
It reminds me the story: "why to drink and drive when you can smoke and fly", but in this case she just mixed up the story. Check the weird story if you want at http://www.wwwpd.org/?p=58

Posted by: mel Location: lex on Aug 9, 2007 at 12:07 PM
Lamont, the thousands of boys being killed overseas is on MY mind, too; luckily my son has come home and is safe. I don't like labels, either, so I'm going to call you just a person who is more concerned with the life of our young men than a tipsy flight attendant, and I'm going to join you.

Posted by: me Location: frankfort on Aug 9, 2007 at 11:36 AM
I still say she cannot be that drunk at .03. My guess is since she refused the blood test, she was actually on something else. Maybe that was the cause for the odd behavior. Plus, if she is an alcoholic like everyone here seems to think, her tolerance would be so high, so would not get drunk at .03

Posted by: Lamont Sounds Like Location: A Liberal on Aug 9, 2007 at 08:35 AM
who has one thing on his mind. It doesn't matter that her level of blood alcohol was below the limit, she could still not be able to function. Look at her comment to the pilot "you are dead!" Yep, sounds like a sober statement to me. In a case of emergency, she has to be physically and mentally sound enough to perform her duties which she wasn't; that's why it made news you bunch of bozos!

Posted by: Dave Location: Garden Springs on Aug 8, 2007 at 06:58 PM
Lamont, we need SOBER people in these birds. Wake up and smell the JACK DANIELS. A drunk is a drunk, but when others saftey depends on a drunk people get injured or killed.

Posted by: Lamont Location: DFW on Aug 8, 2007 at 01:55 PM
You got to be kidding me that this made news! Do we have anything else to report about. Her level was the KY driving standards so why is this in the news. The FAA has the same standards for safety of each passenger, so why are we even talking about this. STUPID!!! lets move to getting our men and women home from over seas. Now talk about that.

Posted by: Choralen L Location: Texas on Aug 8, 2007 at 10:22 AM
Reading SOME of thse Comments scare me. Doesn't matter that she was UNDER the legal Limit, she still was under the influence, and became a danger to the People Booked on that flight. Legal limits are the MAX, not the MIN. Some people can get high, abit tippsie, and out of control (OR not in control of themselves) after just 1/2 can of Beer, (I AM ONE OF THEM, and why I CHOOSE not to drink), some takes alittle more. The fact in being, she should have removed herself off that flight. May I suggest to those who think this is not a big deal, to learn more about alcoholism, and the affects of Alcohol. She just started the job, and CHOSE to have alcohol while working. Maybe the reason for the new job, ya think? She says she was from Atlanta, yet her ID says Missouri...alcoholics are known to try taking Geographcal Cures, trying to get away from their Problems, only to have the problems follow them. Whn putting my life in the hands of someone 35,000 ft n the air, I wnt thm to be COLD Sober!!

Posted by: Man it's hot!!!! Location: Lexington on Aug 8, 2007 at 07:42 AM
The pilot was mad because she drank his Jack! Seriously though, Most any job has a zero tolerance policy during work hours (if you don't think thats true, go have a few beers at lunch and then let the boss know). I know it happens, but F/A's are responsible for people's safety or 35,000 feet off the ground! I'd say someone saw her drinking or smelled it on her and she was reported. This led to her being removed and the threatening. It's funny to read comments that claim her drinking to be the result of her being "depressed and lonely". Maybe she is, maybe she had a bad day, maybe she is an alchoholic, or maybe she was just a bit scared of flying and wanted to calm her nerves, she DID just start this job according to what she told the judge. Finally, lets not forget flight 5191. With everything that has happened with this tragedy, you can bet that Lexington airport will have little tolerance for any violations or problems with airline staff or passengers.

Posted by: Mike Location: LEX on Aug 8, 2007 at 12:35 AM
A (sober) Flight Attendent is important for the safe operation of a flight. I'm not sure what the training standards are for ASA, but if you look back at survivable accidents on mainline carriers it has been the instruction and assistance of the FA's that has gotten survivors out alive. FA's are well trained and educated to handle safety issues -- as such FA's play an important safety role and the consumption of any alcohol is a big no no.

Posted by: lisa Location: london on Aug 7, 2007 at 10:43 PM
her alcohol level was low because she is obviously a pretty big sized girl .it takes alcohol a while to seep through all that fat .she looks like she needs help .AA and jenny craig .

Posted by: prunedog Location: on the ground on Aug 7, 2007 at 10:00 PM
Wouldn't it been so much easier to force her to parachutte?

Posted by: Rob Location: London on Aug 7, 2007 at 06:47 PM
If she would have been with Randolph Morris it would have only been "reckless flying"...what a joke...And remind me again why this is news???

Posted by: Dennis J. Location: Florida on Aug 7, 2007 at 04:14 PM
Flying drunk of OK? However, flying too drunk is not!

Posted by: Obviously Location: Washington, DC on Aug 7, 2007 at 03:21 PM
No surprise to me that WKYT chose not to publish my criticism of their reporting. You guys are about as fair and balanced as Bill O'Reilly...

Posted by: GDC Location: KY on Aug 7, 2007 at 01:18 PM
I agree with frankfort how is she drunk when she is under the limit. Is their a shortage of DUI drivers in Fayette county. If she had been a pro basket ball player she could get most of the charges dropped????

Posted by: Monica Location: Lexington on Aug 7, 2007 at 01:16 PM
This actually made national news. How sad, like there is nothing more important to report on.

Posted by: me Location: frankfort on Aug 7, 2007 at 11:42 AM
One more thing--how can she be charged with anything (besides threatening) when her alcohol level is below the legal limit?

Posted by: me Location: frankfort on Aug 7, 2007 at 11:38 AM
How could she be too drunk when her blood alcohol level was .03? I don't see how she could be unsteady on her feet at this level. You can't drink a bottle of whiskey and have this low of a level.

Posted by: mel Location: lex on Aug 7, 2007 at 11:24 AM
OK, so it's not good practice for flight attendants to be drunk, but opting not to fly because of that is just silly. This is not common practice on commercial flights, and honestly, if a plane is going down, the flight attendant has little to no control over the result. Grounding the plane because there aren't enough people to service a full flight with drinks/snacks is sensible. Not getting on another plane due to fear of safety because of this isolated incident is ridiculous.

Posted by: corey Location: lexington on Aug 7, 2007 at 11:04 AM
it's unfortunate to see folks that are depressed and lonely abuse alcohol, and drugs. That job has to make you go crazy with all that traveling and away from family and friends. All F/A's are easy who abuse alcohol wether from a regional airline like ASA or Delta.

Posted by: valerie Location: kentucky on Aug 7, 2007 at 10:40 AM
it was an airport police officer who made the decision to have the flight attendant taken off the plane NOT the captain. The captain had to be told of his attendant being "drunk". Personally I think Lou in Lex and the police officer might have saved a bunch of lives had something tragic happened and she coudnt perform her duties.

Posted by: joe Location: atlanta on Aug 7, 2007 at 10:20 AM
YAY! I always new ASA would make it to fark!

Posted by: SPIKE LEE OF KY. BB Location: LEX,KY. on Aug 7, 2007 at 09:26 AM
FIRST ,I DON'T WANT KY.TO BE PERCIEVED AS SOFT BUT THIS MATTER IS BLOWN UP.WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT A TERRORIST.I HAVE MY GUT FEELINGS AS TO WHY PEOPLE ARE BEING HARSH IN THIS CASE.SHE TOOK A DRINK,NO LIVES WERE IN JEOPARDY.SHE SHOULD'VE BEEN O R'D BY OUR LEGAL SYSTEM,TO GO HOME AND DEAL WITH THIS MATTER.SO MANY DRUNKS ON OUR STREETS SAY WORSE THINGS TO OUR OFFICERS,DO A FEW HOURS AND BACK ON THE STREETS,A LA JAMES BROWN,OUR CELEBRITY DRUNK OF FAYETTE CO.TO KEEP THIS LADY BEHIND BARS IS CRUEL AND UNUSAL PUNISHMENT.IT'S NOT LIKE SHE HAS PRIOR BAD ACTS HERE.

Posted by: Ovurcum Location: Pants, Your on Aug 7, 2007 at 09:11 AM
She's mad, emotional and prone to hysterics or otherwise not making rational decisions, sounds like a hormone overdose... you know, typical woman at the wrong time and a little alcoholic influence and a bit of stress and depression... like you are any better. More importantly, What makes bad pictures of children qualify as artistic?

Posted by: whaterver.. Location: WHEREEVER.. on Aug 7, 2007 at 09:01 AM
First of all to the one referring to her pity trip at ASA, she had just got the job so it wasn't employees that pushed her to drink. She obviously was an alckie before she went to work there. And don't be bashing ASA for a poor judgement by an individual...everyone makes mistakes, it's not the company that forces them to make those mistakes. And for the comment that hasn't been update enough to be in the know..Delta has hired since 1998...it's actually been in 2007 that they have..so know what you are talking about before you post! As for her... I pity her because she obviously didn't take her job seriously enough to know that its not about what you do for a living it's how you do it. Her responsibility was to her passengers and she failed them. But most of all..she failed herself. I hope she gets what she deserves,..its the only way she'll learn anything from it!

Posted by: Jeff Location: Lexington on Aug 7, 2007 at 08:59 AM
An excerpt from the book "Ask the Judge for Help" Judge: "Can I help you with anything?" Flight Attendant: "Yeah, this drink in the airport bar cost $7.50 and I only have 2 bucks. Can you front me a fiver?" Judge: "Do you think you can sneak me in first class?" Flight Attendant: "You bet your sweet a$$ I can!" Judge: "Here honey, here's the fiver and I'll see you on board (wink, wink)" Now a note for margie: I don't care how rude people are. Problems don't cause people to drink. Nothing is that bad to where a person HAS to pick up a bottle. There is nothing wrong with alcohol but to blame drinking on something else is nothing but a weak individual. I've had people who were rude to me but it didn't make me drink or do drugs or beat anybody.

Posted by: mje Location: Lexingotn on Aug 7, 2007 at 08:37 AM
How scarey could it be that the flight attendant was drunk. It wasn't the pilot. The worst thing she could have done was spilled coffee on someone. Give this girl a break.

Posted by: jason Location: lexington on Aug 7, 2007 at 08:05 AM
yes....thank god for the captain having good sense to have her pulled from the flight.

Posted by: David Location: Somerset on Aug 7, 2007 at 07:49 AM
If alcohol is so good to be sold in our communities, why the fuss. Remember to some, alcohol consumption is for economic development. I feel sorry for the young lady who is trapped with alcohol consumption and trust the Judge will help her with treatment to overcome this difficulty.

Posted by: Zatoichi Location: Richmond on Aug 7, 2007 at 06:51 AM
Looks like it's back to frying chicken at the local Super Gas Mart.

Posted by: NANCY Location: MT.STERLING on Aug 7, 2007 at 02:47 AM
I AM GLAD THE CAPTAIN DONE THE RIGHT THING,THIS PERSON WAS VERY IRRESPONSIBLE,AND CRIMINAL CHARGES SHOULD BE BROUGHT AGAINST HER FOR THREATING HIM.

Posted by: John Location: Sprant on Aug 7, 2007 at 01:11 AM
"TOO drunk"? So just "drunk" is ok?

Posted by: Tim Location: Georgetown on Aug 7, 2007 at 12:43 AM
Anyone remember when they were 26? She asked for help, see that she gets what she needs to improve her situation.

Posted by: your mom Location: here on Aug 6, 2007 at 11:34 PM
she's hot!

Posted by: margie Location: Texas on Aug 6, 2007 at 10:36 PM
I am a former flight attendant for Altantic Southeast Airline I am not excusing or justyfying getting drunk or doing drugs but I have to say a few employees and some of those pilots can be very cruel to thier flight attendants instead of helping her ,I bet they were thrilled to make her feel like something out the bottom of their shoes. I am not coming to her defense at all , but I will say Some ASA employees can be very cruel and may have driven this girl to reach for the bottle . I am speaking from experience !! They don't call it another shity airline for no reason (ASA). I was treated very unfairly by many employees including pilots , but I did not turn to alcohol and drugs . So let's not be to quick to judge this girl theres always a sad story behind every unfortunate event . I pray she takes this and turns it into a learning experience.

Posted by: Patrick Location: Upstate NY on Aug 6, 2007 at 08:27 PM
She was taken off the plane for being too drunk? does that mean that she would have been able to fly if she was just a little drunk?

Posted by: pokey Location: mon on Aug 6, 2007 at 07:53 PM
bummer

Posted by: Terrible-Journalism Location: Washington, DC on Aug 6, 2007 at 07:34 PM
The girl blew a .03. That is = to 1 drink. It also means that she was below the legal driving & flying limit. So, for starters, she should not have been arrested. The arresting officer who said she was unstable on her feet should be reprimanded. More importantly, WKYT should be ashamed for ruining this poor girl's life when the evidence clearly demonstrates that she broke no laws. You could argue that terroristic threats were made, but I'm pretty sure over 50% of Americans would say something similar to a coworker who had them arrested for no valid reason. Oh, and let me give an extra special Evil Award to Anchorlady Renee for trying to justify the whole report by pointing out that those who blow a .03 are incapable of making perfect decisions. Guess what: so are people who haven't gotten enough sleep, have family crises at home, etc. WHYT - you should look into paying for a stationwide seminar on ethical journalism. The story could have run without releasing her name...

Posted by: K Location: RDU on Aug 6, 2007 at 06:41 PM
Pleading b/c she didnt have enough money.....how selfish! What about those 50 people who were suppose to be on her flight to Atlanta and had to be rebooked. I hope the judge does slap her with a heavier fine.

Posted by: Jack D Location: Lexington on Aug 6, 2007 at 05:23 PM
Is Sarah Mills a member of the mile high club? She knows Jack.

Posted by: Lou Location: Lexington on Aug 6, 2007 at 05:01 PM
I was on this flight, it was an ASA flight, a connection carrier contracted by Delta. The Airport Police Officer went on the flight to retrieve two jackets we had left on the flight, he informed me the flight attendent was intoxicated and they were grounding the flight. The Captain did NOT leave the gate and return, the Police Officer made the call.

Posted by: Andrew Location: Fayetteville on Aug 6, 2007 at 04:32 PM
it IS an ASA F/A

Posted by: Fat Kid Location: 4050? on Aug 6, 2007 at 03:57 PM
Why not test her for drugs too, she looks like a former or future meth head. Id rather drive anyhow

Posted by: Rose Location: Knott County on Aug 6, 2007 at 09:38 AM
3 cheers for the captain of this flight. I hope the judge slaps Ms. Mills with everything he can.

Posted by: laura Location: georgia on Aug 6, 2007 at 09:33 AM
Are you sure it wasn't an ASA f/a? The girl is very young and Delta hasn't hired since 1998, and she is not wearing the Delta uniform shirt with red trim in her pic

Posted by: Anon Location: Lexington on Aug 6, 2007 at 01:09 AM
This is scary. I fly with Delta a lot. Good thing they caught her before the flight.

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