Former Pilot Seeks to Resume Flying
- Former Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph Emerson, who attempted to turn off a plane's engines mid-air due to drug-induced confusion, expresses desire to fly again.
- Incident occurred last year during a flight where Joseph attempted to shut down passenger plane engines.
- Emerson hopes to overcome past mistake and return to flying in the future.
Joseph Emerson, a 44-year-old former pilot, has opened up about the harrowing incident that led to his career's downfall, where he attempted to disable the engines of a passenger airplane mid-flight. In a candid interview, Emerson recounted the emotional toll the event has taken on his family and his aspirations for the future. He revealed that prior to the incident, he had consumed psychedelic mushrooms during a weekend trip with friends, which he believes contributed to his altered state of mind during the flight. Emerson described a moment of disconnection from reality, stating, "I was fully convinced this isn't real, and I'm not going home." His erratic behavior escalated to the point where he attempted to pull the emergency handles that would have shut down the plane's engines, endangering the lives of all 83 passengers on board. Acknowledging his actions, he expressed remorse and emphasized the importance of understanding the full context of his experience as he faces legal repercussions. While Emerson accepts responsibility for his choices, he remains hopeful about the possibility of flying again in the future. "I don't know in what capacity I'm going to fly again," he admitted, underscoring that the decision is beyond his control. He is committed to taking steps that may allow him to return to aviation, focusing on personal growth and accountability as he navigates the aftermath of the incident.