PA Rep. Polinchock says he 'gave up his aircraft for a desk'. FAA didn't give him a choice

Bucks County State Rep. Todd Polinchock's biography seems to spin his exit from the world of aviation two decades ago. Documents reveal Polinchock had both his Air Transport Pilot and First-Class Medical Certificats revoked by the Federal Aviation Administration after a random sobriety test found him to have been drinking before observing a highly sensitive training session for Atlas Air, Inc.

The National Transportation Safety Board upheld the FAA's decision and dismissed Polinchock's appeal in 2003.

The FAA's revocation and subsequent appeal denial by the NTSB seems at odds with statements on Polinchock's official website and ads running in his bid for re-election on the 144th legislative district that includes parts of Central Bucks County.

"Upon retirement from the military, he gave up his aircraft for a desk to pursue his love for real estate," read a portion of Polinchock's online biography. "While building a team of effective Realtors, he sold more than 200 properties valued at more than $75 million. Recognized as an industry leader, Todd served as the 2009 president of the Bucks County Association of Realtors and the chairman of the board of the Suburban Realtors Alliance of Southeastern Pennsylvania representing 13,000 realtors."

Polinchock, a Republican who has held his seat since 2018, said he's discussed the issue before and characterized it surfacing again now as nothing more than "political dirty tricks."

The representative is a United States Naval Academy graduate now in his second term representing the district, which includes parts of Chalfont and Warrington. Polinchock will face Democrat Brian Munroe in the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

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Atlas Air, Inc., a global aerospace conglomerate that specializes in passenger and cargo logistics and leasing services, employed Polinchock as a simulator-based flight instructor and check airman at its Miami training facility.

According to the filing, Polinchock was on duty at the facility in October 2002 when he was randomly selected for Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing. After complying, Polinchock failed a pair of "Breathalyzer-type tests administered at 15-minute intervals."

Polinchock's blood-alcohol concentration from both tests were above the level for employees engaged in safety-sensitive functions.

"Over two decades ago, I agreed to observe a computer-based training session when I should not have done so. I took full responsibility for my actions and accepted the NTSB’s decision," said Polinchock, who pointed out that the session involved no aircraft and no one was placed in harm’s way.

"This issue was raised by past political opponents," Polinchock added. "Voters saw through it as political dirty tricks."

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In a letter-to-the-editor to this newspaper, Warwick resident Dan Cohen questioned "how (Polinchock's) fellow brothers in arms would feel" if they knew the full details of his time with and departure from Atlas.

"Showing up impaired at any job is risky business, but showing up drunk to train pilots is completely another matter," read a portion of Cohen's letter. "He even appealed the decision but the next judge found no reason to upturn the opinion of the court."

In response, Polinchock said he has "always been open about any question asked" of him, which is to be expected from any public official.

"Representing our community is an honor," Polinchock said. "I hope that voters will look at my legislative record of cutting taxes, fighting inflation, supporting law enforcement and first responders and delivering record funding for our schools."

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Questions arise about State Rep. Todd Polinchock's aviation background