Air Cocaine story airs on Netflix

Manuel01

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Apr 1, 2009
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I am not confused at all. If the pilots were aware they were carrying drugs, then they would be guilty.
They were assumed to be guilty in the DR and Acquitted in France. Nothing at all confusing about that.
Is there?

In general, private charter pilots are not resonsible for cargo content. Please show me where I missed the meaning.
You wont' be able to...
Actually YES THEY ARE ! They have to perform "due diligence" !
Carrying one Passenger and not minding about "his" 26" Suitcases makes them at least accomplices at best.
Even when you board a Big Plane, very often the Pilot or at least the Co Pilot is behind the flight assistant "screening" who (or what) goes on board.
 
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SKY

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I am not confused at all. If the pilots were aware they were carrying drugs, then they would be guilty.
They were assumed to be guilty in the DR and Acquitted in France. Nothing at all confusing about that.
Is there?

In general, private charter pilots are not resonsible for cargo content. Please show me where I missed the meaning.
You wont' be able to...
Give ma a legitimate answer for the quote below..................


Let’s say this plane landed in Miami with the 2 pilots and a passenger along with 26 100 lb. suitcases full of drugs. Does anyone here really believe that these pilots would be home for dinner anytime soon............
 
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SKY

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So your pilot himself went through all of your personal belongings on the plane you took?
No. But in PUJ Private Terminal they have the same X Ray machine that everything goes through. Included whats in your pocket. The CDs I was playing on the plane to Spain. So Pablo told me about not having them..................
 

windeguy

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Give ma a legitimate answer for the quote below..................


Let’s say this plane landed in Miami with the 2 pilots and a passenger along with 26 100 lb. suitcases full of drugs. Does anyone here really believe that these pilots would be home for dinner anytime soon............
I cannot predict the future or results of hypothetical circumstances. I can only say that these pilots were guilty in the DR and eventually acquitted in France in this case. They remain guilty in the DR.

Every case is different. I expect the pilots would go through due process in the USA and the prosecutor would have to prove the pilots were aware they were carryying drugs. Something the French ultimately were not able to do, by the way. Maybe a US prosector could have proved it.

In the USA would a private charter pilot be arrested if drugs owned by a passenger were found on the airplane?

ChatGPT said:​

Yes, in the United States, a private charter pilot could potentially face legal consequences if drugs owned by a passenger are found on the airplane, especially if the drugs are illegal. The pilot's responsibility includes ensuring the safety of the flight and compliance with federal laws, including those regarding controlled substances.
Here are some key points to consider:

1. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations

  • The FAA requires pilots to adhere to all applicable federal laws, which include laws regarding drug possession and trafficking. If a pilot is aware (or should reasonably be aware) that drugs are being carried on their plane, they could be held responsible.
  • Pilots are also required to maintain a drug-free environment. The FAA's regulations require them to be free of illegal substances, and they may be subject to drug tests as part of their regular duties. Being found with drugs, whether personally or belonging to a passenger, could lead to suspension or revocation of their license.

2. Possession of Drugs by Passengers

  • If drugs are found on the plane and they belong to a passenger, the pilot may not be automatically arrested, but the discovery would likely lead to an investigation.
  • If the pilot was unaware and had no reason to believe the drugs were on the plane, they might not face criminal charges, though this could still result in questions about the situation.
  • If the pilot knowingly allowed drugs on board, or if the drugs were in a location that the pilot had control over (such as in the cockpit or a bag they were aware of), then they could face serious legal consequences, including arrest.

3. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Involvement

  • If illegal drugs (such as narcotics) are discovered on a flight, the DEA might get involved, especially if there is evidence of trafficking or distribution. In such a case, the pilot could be questioned or arrested if there is any indication of involvement in the drug activity.
  • For example, if the pilot was aware that the drugs were being transported or if there is evidence suggesting the pilot was complicit in smuggling, they could face criminal charges.

4. Smuggling and Trafficking

  • If a pilot is knowingly involved in drug smuggling or trafficking, the penalties could be severe, including federal charges, fines, and imprisonment.
  • Even if the pilot is not directly involved in the trafficking, but there’s reasonable suspicion of negligence (such as failing to perform proper checks or knowingly allowing contraband to be brought on board), they could still face serious charges.

5. Legal Protections and Precautions

  • Pilots should make sure to conduct thorough pre-flight checks and maintain awareness of what is being brought onto the aircraft by passengers. Keeping good records of the flight and its passengers could help protect a pilot if they were to be falsely accused.
  • If a pilot is not aware of the drugs being carried and cooperates fully with law enforcement, they are less likely to face charges, but they could still face administrative action from the FAA.
In short, while a pilot may not always be arrested if drugs owned by a passenger are found on the plane, the situation depends on whether the pilot was complicit in transporting the drugs or was aware of their presence. If the pilot had no knowledge of the drugs and was not involved in any illegal activity, they may avoid arrest but could still face investigation or administrative actions from the FAA. If the pilot was aware, or had reason to know, of the drugs, they could face both criminal and regulatory consequences.
 
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SKY

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I cannot predict the future or results of hypothetical circumstances. I can only say that these pilots were guilty in the DR and eventually acquitted in France in this case. They remain guilty in the DR.

Every case is different. I expect the pilots would go through due process in the USA and the prosecutor would have to prove the pilots were aware they were carryying drugs. Something the French ultimately were not able to do, by the way. Maybe a US prosector could have proved it.

In the USA would a private charter pilot be arrested if drugs owned by a passenger were found on the airplane?

ChatGPT said:​

Yes, in the United States, a private charter pilot could potentially face legal consequences if drugs owned by a passenger are found on the airplane, especially if the drugs are illegal. The pilot's responsibility includes ensuring the safety of the flight and compliance with federal laws, including those regarding controlled substances.
Here are some key points to consider:

1. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations

  • The FAA requires pilots to adhere to all applicable federal laws, which include laws regarding drug possession and trafficking. If a pilot is aware (or should reasonably be aware) that drugs are being carried on their plane, they could be held responsible.
  • Pilots are also required to maintain a drug-free environment. The FAA's regulations require them to be free of illegal substances, and they may be subject to drug tests as part of their regular duties. Being found with drugs, whether personally or belonging to a passenger, could lead to suspension or revocation of their license.

2. Possession of Drugs by Passengers

  • If drugs are found on the plane and they belong to a passenger, the pilot may not be automatically arrested, but the discovery would likely lead to an investigation.
  • If the pilot was unaware and had no reason to believe the drugs were on the plane, they might not face criminal charges, though this could still result in questions about the situation.
  • If the pilot knowingly allowed drugs on board, or if the drugs were in a location that the pilot had control over (such as in the cockpit or a bag they were aware of), then they could face serious legal consequences, including arrest.

3. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Involvement

  • If illegal drugs (such as narcotics) are discovered on a flight, the DEA might get involved, especially if there is evidence of trafficking or distribution. In such a case, the pilot could be questioned or arrested if there is any indication of involvement in the drug activity.
  • For example, if the pilot was aware that the drugs were being transported or if there is evidence suggesting the pilot was complicit in smuggling, they could face criminal charges.

4. Smuggling and Trafficking

  • If a pilot is knowingly involved in drug smuggling or trafficking, the penalties could be severe, including federal charges, fines, and imprisonment.
  • Even if the pilot is not directly involved in the trafficking, but there’s reasonable suspicion of negligence (such as failing to perform proper checks or knowingly allowing contraband to be brought on board), they could still face serious charges.

5. Legal Protections and Precautions

  • Pilots should make sure to conduct thorough pre-flight checks and maintain awareness of what is being brought onto the aircraft by passengers. Keeping good records of the flight and its passengers could help protect a pilot if they were to be falsely accused.
  • If a pilot is not aware of the drugs being carried and cooperates fully with law enforcement, they are less likely to face charges, but they could still face administrative action from the FAA.
In short, while a pilot may not always be arrested if drugs owned by a passenger are found on the plane, the situation depends on whether the pilot was complicit in transporting the drugs or was aware of their presence. If the pilot had no knowledge of the drugs and was not involved in any illegal activity, they may avoid arrest but could still face investigation or administrative actions from the FAA. If the pilot was aware, or had reason to know, of the drugs, they could face both criminal and regulatory consequences.
Honestly do you think that the pilots were not involved in this operation? The guy just had a lot of clothes for the trip..........................???
 

JD Jones

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I was rooting for the pilots until the info about the three flights, all with the same "Passenger" (who is still in the DR).
 

windeguy

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No. But in PUJ Private Terminal they have the same X Ray machine that everything goes through. Included whats in your pocket. The CDs I was playing on the plane to Spain. So Pablo told me about not having them..................
I guess the bags on the Coke Air flight ddin't get X-rayed? Hmm, how was that... Hmmm.
 

SKY

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I guess the bags on the Coke Air flight ddin't get X-rayed? Hmm, how was that... Hmmm.
That plane landed at PUJ with the load. Wherever it took off from would be responsible for that. They made a big mistake going to PUJ. The plane would have to go directly after landing to the Private Terminal. Customs can and does board planes there all the time even if not unloading luggage. And they do NOT need a warrant of any kind. {It is the same in the US by the way}. They should have stuck to POP...............
 

keepcoming

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May 25, 2011
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Winde you seem to enjoy using ChatGPT and seem convinced of its accuracy. However you are incorrect as pilots on private flights are responsible for the cargo, the contents and the accuracy of what is in the cargo. Have you ever flown on private jet? There are a number of companies that have you fill out a form that will ask various questions and one of them is basically what is in your luggage (I have seen the question worded differently but basically the same meaning). But of course, there are always some types of loopholes, ways around it, etc...
 
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johne

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There is a direct relationship between load and fuel which every pilot must check and sign off on. The numbers would not be in line and hence the pilot would-be aware unless he was Ray Charles.
Check that out on Chat and knock yourself out..
 
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Manuel01

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Apr 1, 2009
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There is a direct relationship between load and fuel which every pilot must check and sign off on. The numbers would not be in line and hence the pilot would-be aware unless he was Ray Charles.
Check that out on Chat and knock yourself out..
Exactly ! Especially true for this small Plan (Falcon 50) with a Payload of only 1,600 KG. How can somebody believe for even a second that the pilots were not involved in this !?
 

SKY

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Ecoman1949

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Actually YES THEY ARE ! They have to perform "due diligence. Even when you board a Big Plane, very often the Pilot or at least the Co Pilot is behind the flight assistant "screening" who (or what) goes on board.
Definitely. Four of us boarded an Air Canada flight with our Haz Mat SCBA packs checked through regular luggage. We were called from our seats and the co-pilot escorted us to an area on the tarmac where our packs were waiting. We had to prove the air tanks were empty before he would let them on board the aircraft. Overkill because aircraft carry compressed air bottles for loss of pressure emergencies but we had to comply with the co-pilot’s request.

The legal lines between commercial and private is easily blurred. Commercial aircraft are often chartered and private aircraft are involved in commercial operations. The FAA has operating standards for both. FAA Part 35 standards apply to charter aircraft, I think.
 

CristoRey

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If I am hired to drive a car with three or four passengers across the DR, we get pulled over by the police and they find 10 lbs of blow in the trunk...
what are the chances I get off scot free by claiming I had no idea the trunk was full of drugs?

Nada.
Zero.
Regardless of whether or not I had any knowledge at all, I'm headed to prison. This is no different in my opinion especially when taking into consideration the amount. Both these dirtbags should rotting away in a Dominican jail.
 

windeguy

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Winde you seem to enjoy using ChatGPT and seem convinced of its accuracy. However you are incorrect as pilots on private flights are responsible for the cargo, the contents and the accuracy of what is in the cargo. Have you ever flown on private jet? There are a number of companies that have you fill out a form that will ask various questions and one of them is basically what is in your luggage (I have seen the question worded differently but basically the same meaning). But of course, there are always some types of loopholes, ways around it, etc...
I do enjoy using ChatGPT recently. I am not convinced of its accuracy. I am not convinced anything is accurate.

I will probably never fly a private jet and never have. Where does your information come from that the pilots on that flight are liable for what is inside a passengers bags? The pilots have the right to open the bags?

Do I think the pilots knew what was in those bags? I am 99.9999999% sure they were aware.
 

windeguy

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Definitely. Four of us boarded an Air Canada flight with our Haz Mat SCBA packs checked through regular luggage. We were called from our seats and the co-pilot escorted us to an area on the tarmac where our packs were waiting. We had to prove the air tanks were empty before he would let them on board the aircraft. Overkill because aircraft carry compressed air bottles for loss of pressure emergencies but we had to comply with the co-pilot’s request.

The legal lines between commercial and private is easily blurred. Commercial aircraft are often chartered and private aircraft are involved in commercial operations. The FAA has operating standards for both. FAA Part 35 standards apply to charter aircraft, I think.
At altitude compressed aie tanks could explode. I am guessing those tanks were not inside luggage, but readily visible? That would be a far cry from a pilot opening luggage.
 

Ecoman1949

Born to Ride.
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At altitude compressed aie tanks could explode. I am guessing those tanks were not inside luggage, but readily visible? That would be a far cry from a pilot opening luggage.
Windy. They were packed inside heavy gauge black plastic shipping cases. We told the ticket counter agent what they were but I suspect she wasn’t sure what she was checking through and flagged them for the pilot for his inspection and acceptance. They are similar to the compressed breathing air tanks used on pressurized aircraft. They have pressure expansion safety built into them. A relief valve opens up to prevent rupture.
 

El Hijo de Manolo

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Dominican Republic
Definitely. Four of us boarded an Air Canada flight with our Haz Mat SCBA packs checked through regular luggage. We were called from our seats and the co-pilot escorted us to an area on the tarmac where our packs were waiting. We had to prove the air tanks were empty before he would let them on board the aircraft. Overkill because aircraft carry compressed air bottles for loss of pressure emergencies but we had to comply with the co-pilot’s request.

The legal lines between commercial and private is easily blurred. Commercial aircraft are often chartered and private aircraft are involved in commercial operations. The FAA has operating standards for both. FAA Part 35 standards apply to charter aircraft, I think.
This is the most boring, uneventful story told in the history of man. You've certainly shared better.