Some things, you just can't do. Flying an airliner while under the influence of alcohol is right at the top of the list. America West always knew that; it's a shame two of its pilots didn't.

America West announced on Wednesday that the two pilots who failed sobriety tests Monday night in Miami are no longer with the airline. They were told they were fired Tuesday.

Pilot Thomas Cloyd, 44, and First Officer Christopher Hughes, 40, were called back to the gate Monday, after security complained that they smelled of alcohol. They were already taxiing out for takeoff to Phoenix with 124 aboard, but returned without incident. They were checked at the plane, failed, and brought to the station for a more-sophisticated test... which they failed.

Cloyd blew .091%, and Hughes hit .084%, both beyond the limit -- for drivers. The FAA has nailed them both; and the Florida cops even got to issue felony drunk-driving citations to the pair. They sobered up and were released on $7000 bond each. The FAA's limit, by the way, is .04%.

They both have recourse in the firing, to the union, which is not expected to be overly-sympathetic, given the circumstances. Even so, an appeal may be academic; we heard the FAA pulled their tickets on Wednesday.

FMI: www.americawest.com