Pilot arrested at Leeds Bradford airport was four times over legal limit

Irfan Faiz, 54, from Pakistan, was arrested by police in the cockpit

A Pakistan International Airways pilot has admitted being four-and-a-half times over the legal alcohol limit before being due to fly from Leeds Bradford Airport. (GETTY IMAGES)

A Pakistan International Airways pilot has admitted being four-and-a-half times over the legal alcohol limit before being due to fly from Leeds Bradford Airport.

Irfan Faiz, 54, from Pakistan, was arrested by police in the cockpit of the Airbus shortly after 22:00 BST on Wednesday as he made pre-flight checks.

Magistrates heard Faiz had been unsteady on his feet before the flight to Pakistan and smelled of alcohol.

He was charged with carrying out an activity ancillary to an aviation function while impaired by drink.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said yesterday: "At about 10pm police were called to Leeds Bradford International Airport where they arrested an airline pilot on suspicion of carrying out an activity ancillary to an aviation function while impaired by drink.

A spokesman for the airport said: "We are aware of the incident but the matter is being dealt with by West Yorkshire Police."