Air Controller Bumped After 2nd DUI Arrest

An air traffic controller arrested on his way to work at Los Angeles International Airport last Saturday night on suspicion of drunk driving and resisting arrest has been relieved of duties related to air safety and reassigned to non-critical tasks, the FAA said Wednesday.

George R. Stevens, 31, of Canyon Country, a controller for six years, was convicted of drunk driving in another case last October, but he said the Federal Aviation Administration took no action against him at that time after he assured the FAA’s regional flight surgeon that it was a one-time episode related to family troubles.

FAA spokeswoman Barbara Abels said she could not comment on the earlier case, except to say that it would be part of a full FAA investigation into the current matter.

Abels said that if the FAA concludes that Stevens “does indeed have a chemical abuse problem,” he will be given an order to undergo a rehabilitation program, which might mean either hospitalization or outpatient treatment, depending on the doctor’s opinion. During his rehabilitation, he would continue to be paid, she said.

“If he successfully completes the program, he is returned to duty but very carefully monitored for at least a year,” she said.

“If an employee refuses to enter a rehabilitation program, they are given a letter of proposed removal” (a notification that they will be fired), she added. An appeal can be made.

Now free on his own recognizance, Stevens will be arraigned Sept. 17 in Newhall Municipal Court.