Pilot Arrested for Trying to Bring Loaded Gun in His Carry-On Bag

Pilot Arrested for Trying to Bring Loaded Gun in His Carry-On Bag

A pilot was arrested after a TSA agent found a gun in pilot’s bag at Southwest Florida International Airport.  The weapon was discovered during a screening at a TSA checkpoint.

The 54-year-old pilot, Brian Andrew Machtemes, flies for Sun Country Airlines.  Machtemes was arrested Friday while trying to carry on a KEL-TEC .380.  The weapon was loaded with six rounds of ammunition.  The pilot has a carry permit for the weapon in Minnesota, but did not have the right to carry the weapon in Florida with that permit.  Additionally, guns are not allowed in carry-on luggage on commercial aircraft and are listed as prohibited items by the TSA.

The report comes shortly after a report on the number of people that bring guns on airplanes.  A survey recently found that nearly 25% of passengers claimed they bring prohibited weapons, including guns, onboard aircraft.  Those people surveyed were able to get the weapons past TSA checkpoints.   It’s unclear what Machtemes carried the weapon with him.  This demonstrates the importance of TSA doing its job properly.  While Machtemes may have not intended to cause any harm, having a loaded gun on an aircraft can present a hazard if not properly handled.

Machtemes did not want to answer questions by investigators and requested an attorney.  Machtemes remains in custody, and bail has been set at $5,000.