The off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot who tried to shut off a plane’s engines while riding in a cockpit jump seat on a flight over Oregon in 2023 pleaded guilty Friday to interfering with flight crew members in federal court in Portland.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Parakram Singh said the government will recommend a 12-month prison term for Joseph David Emerson when he returns to court for sentencing on Nov. 17. Emerson’s lawyers can argue for probation, under the federal plea agreement.

Emerson also is expected to pay restitution of $59,608.25, under the plea agreement.

It was the first of two court appearances scheduled for Emerson, now 46.

Emerson, appearing in a blue suit and white dress shirt and seated between his three defense lawyers, waived a federal grand jury indictment and plead

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