Sun Country Airlines pilot busted with gun in bag at Florida airport
A Sun Country Airlines pilot was arrested at Southwest Florida International Airport after TSA screeners discovered a firearm in his carry-on bag.
That led to the detention of 54-year-old Brian Andrew Machtemes from Minnesota.
According to the arrest report Machtemes has a Minnesota permit for the gun but that is not valid in Florida.
It caused the cancellation of the flight until the following day as no replacement pilot was available, according to airport spokesperson, Victoria Moreland.
Under TSA rules firearms can be legally transported on flights but only in hard-sided lockable luggage which must be checked in.
Minnesota based Sun Country confirmed the incident but declined to elaborate on ‘details pertaining to employee conduct.’
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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