JetBlue Pilot Charged With Flying Drunk

US prosecutors have charged a JetBlue pilot with flying from Orlando to New York while drunk last year.

Dennis Murphy was arrested and arraigned in a federal court in New York City on a charge of operating a commercial vehicle while under the influence.

The complaint unsealed on Wednesday said 151 passengers were onboard the flight on April 21, 2015. Murphy had been selected for random alcohol testing on landing at New York's Kennedy Airport.

Murphy, who is from New Jersey, was released on a USD$50,000 bond.

A breath test showed Murphy had a blood alcohol level of .111 percent, the complaint said. A second test showed him having a level of .091 percent.

"During the walk to the onsite testing office at JFK Airport, Murphy's face was red and he was chewing gum rapidly," the complaint said, adding that he attributed the high ratings to the gum he was chewing.

A blood alcohol level of .1 or higher qualifies as being under the influence for criminal charges, the complaint said. The Federal Aviation Administration prohibits pilots from flying with blood alcohol content higher than .04.

Earlier in the day, Murphy also piloted a flight to Orlando from New York with 119 passengers on board and his co-pilot told authorities that Murphy was drinking an "unknown beverage from a cup" before and during both trips, the complaint said.

Murphy was immediately removed from being able to fly JetBlue planes and had resigned from the airline by May 27, 2015.