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A Southwest Airlines pilot who cops say failed multiple field sobriety tests minutes before he was supposed to fly is denying doing so ... despite being arrested on the jet bridge.

David Allsop -- a 52-year-old pilot that's been flying with Southwest for 20 years -- tells TMZ in a statement through his attorney David Chaiken that the body cam video of his arrest shows the "obvious" -- that he committed no crime. Play video content

He also claims "experts" have reviewed the footage and determined officers implementing the field sobriety tests did so without following "proper procedures." He adds ... "These procedures are in place for a reason, to prevent mistakes like this one."

Chaiken also praises his client as an "American hero," reminding people he served his

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