Shatner really let it all out in those pieces. I posted some Twilight Zone videos and a movie I'd just found Shame with Shat in a role inciting race riots in the south. Yikes.

A truly great line from a really great bit.

That would definitely be scary!

I am serious. And don't call me Shirley.

...this is your stewardess speaking. We regret any inconvenience the sudden cabin movement might have caused. This is due to periodic air pockets we encountered. There's no reason to be alarmed and we hope you enjoy the rest of your flight. By the way, is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?

Some of them cause bouts of severe paranoia.

I'm glad the plane landed safely.

Yeah.... the crazies rarely screech "Obama's giving us too much health care!!!"

After all the effort Republicans went through to authorize Pilots to carry firearms? For safety?

Last edited Wed Mar 28, 2012, 09:25 AM - Edit history (1)

Most of the time, schizophrenia manifests in late teens, early 20's. This captain appears middle-aged.

I suspect hypoglycemia, which is easily treated once you know you've got it. But sadly for this pilot, I fear his piloting career is over - the FAA rules on pilots and medical conditions are pretty strict.

We've all had those!

If blood glucose levels drop dangerously low the body will release large amounts of adrenaline, which can result in some highly agitated behavior (I speak from experience here). Although I know pilots are supposed to be screened, it's not impossible that one could get their blood glucose level in line to pass the test.

supposedly the captain was in excellent health and had a great flying record

Often, these things are caused by various bits of brain chemistry being thrown out of whack. Maybe diabetic issues, or maybe some freak endocrine problem.

Usually, once doctors figure out the cause, they can fix it pretty easily.

But sadly, I fear this captain's career is over. Even assuming he gets treated and back to normal, FAA rules on medical conditions for airline pilots are pretty strict. He may be grounded for good.

Just tragic all around. I'm glad the plane got on the ground safely, and the captain's getting treatment for whatever medical conditions he has.

Imagine having to get the pilot out of the cockpit and still fly the plane and keep it safe until landing. It must have been harrowing, especially after having to drag Walton and Lanier up and down the court for 48 minutes.

Imagine one of your friends suddenly having a weird personality shift and freaking out like that.

now that you guys mention it.

It's quite a shame then, because it really wouldn't be the pilot's fault. Sad way to end an otherwise successful career, but hopefully he gets better.

(I hope it's only an odd coincidence) that the pilot's meltdown is so similar to this one from last week:

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/local-news/20120309-flight-attendants-rant-delays-american-airlines-flight-at-dfw.ece

This is the second in-flight mental breakdown of an airline employee this month.

Is it the stress of being overworked and long hours?

Reminds me of the well-publicized string of postal worker incidents back in the 1990s. Hope the unions address this situation.

I recall reading a few years ago that there are 30,000 commercial flights a day.