TWO pilots were released on bail this week over claims they tried to board a flight from Scotland to America while drunk.

Paul Grebenc, 35, and Carlos Licona, 45, appeared at Paisley Sheriff Court on Monday amid allegations they tried to enter their plane while impaired through alcohol.

The pair were arrested on Saturday morning after concerns were raised as they tried to check in at Glasgow Airport before the 9am United Airlines flight to Newark, New Jersey.

The flight was grounded for more than nine hours because of their arrests and eventually took off with a replacement crew at 6.30pm, carrying 141 passengers.

The pair were taken to Helen Street police office in Glasgow’s Govan area before appearing before sheriff Susan Sinclair on August 29.

Licona, of Humble, Texas, made no plea or declaration during the private hearing, where he was represented by Marco Buonaccorsi, of Paisley law firm the Robert Kerr Partnership.

Iain Cahill, of law firm Levy & McRae, appeared on behalf of Grebenc, of Columbus, Mississippi.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service were represented by procurator fiscal depute Alan Parfery during married father Licona’s hearing.

The Crown Office confirmed both Licona and Grebenc have been charged with breaking Section 93 (1) of the Railway and Transport Safety Act (2003) and were released on bail. No future court dates have been set.

On Saturday, Police Scotland confirmed the men were arrested “in connection with alleged offences under the Railway and Transport Safety Act (2003) Section 93”.

The section of the Act relates to “carrying out pilot function or activity while exceeding the prescribed limit of alcohol”.

United Airlines said: “The two pilots have been removed from service and their flying duties. We are co-operating with the authorities and will conduct our own investigation as well.

“The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority.

“Our team at Glasgow Airport have provided our customers with support including meal vouchers and hotel accommodation where required.

“We apologise to our customers for the inconvenience caused.”

A spokesman for Glasgow Airport added: “We are aware of an incident whereby two crew members were arrested this morning.”

The drink-fly limit in the UK is 20 milligrammes of alcohol per 100ml of blood – less than half the new Scottish drink-drive limit of 50mg of alcohol in every 100ml of blood.

Seats on the 3,200-mile flight cost up to £600 and the airline claim to have the “world’s most comprehensive global route network.”