Piedmont Captain Stopped At Buffalo Airport

A Piedmont Airlines pilot was arrested at the Buffalo airport for carrying a concealed .357 and attempting to board a LaGuardia-bound flight. Brett Dieter had reportedly flown seven other flights since Wednesday with the handgun in his bag according to the Buffalo News. Dieter was charged after a TSA screener spotted the handgun concealed in his carry-on Friday morning. The bag apparently did not pass through X-ray screening Wednesday in Charlottesville, where he piloted a flight to LaGuardia.

USA Today reports that Buffalo Niagara International Airport police reported the Smith & Wesson revolver was loaded with five rounds. Dieter appeared before a federal magistrate Friday afternoon and was released. He is due back in federal court Wednesday. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. said "While under certain circumstances, certain Government officials such as sworn law enforcement officers are allowed to travel with firearms on airplanes, the law is clear regarding the steps that must be taken before a gun is brought onto a plane. In today's day and age, we simply can't afford to have anyone ignore these important regulations, all of which are designed to protect the traveling public."

FMI: www.faa.gov  www.tsa.gov