Former Delta Co-Pilot Indicted on Federal Charges for Threatening to Shoot Flight Captain
A former co-pilot for Delta Air Lines is facing federal charges after allegedly threatening to shoot a flight captain who attempted to divert their plane during a trip last year. The diversion was prompted by a potential medical emergency involving a passenger. Court documents and officials have confirmed the charges against Jonathan J. Dunn.
Dunn, who was indicted by a grand jury in Utah, is accused of using a dangerous weapon to assault and intimidate an aircraft crew member and interfering with the crew’s ability to perform their duties. The incident took place on an August 22, 2022, Delta flight.
New details that emerged this week have raised questions about whether commercial airline pilots are allowed to carry loaded firearms aboard a flight, while regular passengers are not permitted to do so.
In some instances, pilots are allowed to carry guns through the Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program, which authorizes flight crew members to use firearms to defend against criminal violence and air piracy while attempting to gain control of an aircraft. Eligible candidates for the program include pilots, flight engineers, and flight navigators who meet certain requirements.
Candidates interested in becoming flight deck officers must go through a vetting process and complete a training program. They must also pass periodic retraining and requalification. FFDOs are only authorized to carry their firearms while acting in their official capacity.
The incident involving Dunn occurred when he had a disagreement with the captain about changing course due to a passenger’s medical event. Dunn allegedly threatened to shoot the captain multiple times if the flight was diverted.
Delta Air Lines confirmed that Dunn was employed by the airline as a first officer. However, they declined to comment on the ongoing investigation and stated that Dunn is no longer employed by Delta.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) also confirmed that Dunn was removed from the FFDO program following the incident. The TSA stated that they hold their employees to the highest standards and have a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct.
Dunn is scheduled for arraignment on November 16. The charging documents related to the case are currently sealed. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Aviation Administration are both involved in the investigation.
– Kris Van Cleave and Katie Krupnik contributed reporting.
(Note: This article is based on court documents, statements from officials, and information provided by Delta Air Lines, the Transportation Security Administration, and the U.S. Attorney’s office in Utah. Additional details may be forthcoming as the investigation progresses.)