American Airlines Pilot Cleared of Drinking Charge

DALLAS - An American Airlines pilot removed from a scheduled flight over allegations that he had been drinking has been cleared of the charges.

The incident happened on Wednesday on Flight 1211 , scheduled to leave Dallas at 4:30 p.m. to Cancun, Mexico.

Officials said a comment made by a flight attendent sparked the investigation, but they did not provide further details.

According to passengers, the pilot announced that he had been accused of drinking and that he would have to get off the plane to take a test.

The man denied drinking and the Federal Aviation Administration later cleared him of the accusations.

However, the incident delayed the flight, which left Dallas around 8:45 p.m.

According to the FAA, a pilot's blood alcohol level must not exceed .04 percent. Pilots must also stop drinking at least eight hours before flying.