A former Alaska Airlines pilot will not serve prison time for trying to cut the engines of a flight in 2023, a federal judge has ruled.

Joseph Emerson, 46, was sentenced to his time already served and three years' supervised release, ending a case that drew attention to cockpit safety and mental health support for pilots.

Federal prosecutors in the Portland District Court pushed for a year in prison, while his lawyers sought probation.

"Pilots are not perfect. They are human,"

US District Court Judge Amy Baggio said.

"They are people, and all people need help sometimes."

Emerson hugged his lawyers and tearfully embraced his wife after he was sentenced on Monday, local time.

Emerson: Believed he was dreaming

In October 2023 , Emerson was subdued by the flight crew after trying to c

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