A former Alaska Airlines pilot who attempted to cut the engines of a passenger flight while off-duty in the cockpit is scheduled to appear for sentencing in federal court on Monday.
Joseph Emerson, who was riding in an extra seat in the cockpit, pleaded guilty or no-contest to all charges against him in September. These pleas were part of agreements reached with both state and federal prosecutors. His attorney, Noah Horst, stated at the time that Emerson wished to take responsibility for his actions and avoid further incarceration.
