 An ex-Alaska Airlines pilot accused of trying to cut the engines of a passenger flight while off duty and riding in an extra seat in the cockpit was released from jail pending trial. After an Oregon judge approved it with conditions that include keeping away from aircraft, the Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Ryan made the decision as Joseph Emerson pleaded not guilty to reduced charges of reckless endangerment. He previously faced attempted murder charges, Emerson, of Pleasant Hill, California, has also pleaded not guilty to a federal charge of interfering with a flight crew. The judge in that case also agreed that he could be released pending trial. The release conditions include that Emerson undergo mental health services, stay away from drugs and alcohol, and not come within 30 feet of an operable aircraft. His bail was set at $50,000 and he had to post 10% of that, or $5,000, to be released. Yes, absolutely. Does Mr. Emerson deserve to be home today with his family and surrounded by his friends? Yes, he does. I'm saddened that this situation had to happen to my husband and to these people that it affected, but I know that this has created a movement and momentum to help thousands of other pilots and people in mental health situations, in jobs that are, in a sense, silenced or it's disincentivized to go get help and care that they need.