The unidentified pilot was heard on a radio frequency at Mineta San Jose Airport (SJC) as the flight taxied for departure.
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Here's part of what he said:
"F**k this place, goddamn liberal f***s. Like eight guns out here somewhere as it is. F*****g weirdos, probably driving around in F*****g Hyundais, F*****g roads and s**t that go slow as f**k."
While his tirade wasn't broadcast to passengers, travelers say the audio is concerning.
Judina Trade returned to the Bay Area on Thursday, traveling through SJC.
Trade told ABC7 News, "I think it's a good thing that the aircraft did not hear that because I would be very scared to hear a pilot saying that. Especially with everything that's been going on."
Southern California resident, Shane Forker told ABC7 News, "I think I'd maybe be worried that he was drunk, or out of his mind, maybe."
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Councilman Raul Peralez, whose district encompasses Downtown San Jose and the airport, called the comments disheartening.
"It was extremely disheartening to hear our largest air carrier- to hear one of their employees- their pilots speak so disparagingly about the San Jose area," he shared.
Peralez continued, "It's one thing to be hearing peoples' authentic opinions. I think they're entitled to those opinions. I think in this case, this person is completely generalizing and completely wrong."
Southwest Airlines told ABC7 News the comments made by the pilot are inconsistent with their company culture. The carrier says they will deal with the matter internally.
The FAA told ABC7 News, its regulations prohibit pilots from talking about anything other than safely conducting their flight while taxiing and while flying below 10,000 feet altitude.
"The FAA is investigating communications that an airline pilot made while taxiing at Mineta San Jose International Airport last week," the administration added. "The FAA also reported the incident to the airline."