An unqualified pilot flew passengers around Europe for months after falsifying his certificates
An unqualified pilot would have flown for several months on commercial routes in Europe after falsifying the documents certifying his qualification as a captain, reports the German publication Aero Telegraph.
The pilot was, in reality, co-pilot/PHOTO:X
The man, an employee of the Lithuanian company Avion Express, would have piloted aircraft with hundreds of passengers on board, although he did not have the right to hold the position of commander. According to information obtained by Aero Telegraph, the airline confirmed the incident and launched an internal investigation.
The pilot was, in reality, a co-pilot (first officer) and would have obtained the promotion to the rank of captain using forged certificates. Before his employment with Avion Express, he would have worked for the Indonesian company Garuda Indonesia, according to the same sources.
Avion Express is a company specializing in so-called wet lease contracts – providing aircraft and full crews to other air operators, including LOT Polish Airlines, easyJet and SunExpress. The company's fleet includes more than 50 aircraft, mainly Airbus A320 and A321 models, operated on destinations around the world.
A spokeswoman for the German company Eurowings, which collaborated with Avion Express, told the BILD publication that the investigation was ongoing and was “under the responsibility of Avion Express.” “We are waiting for the full clarification of the facts,” she added.
In a statement to Aero Telegraph, Avion Express said it had “recently become aware of unverified information regarding the professional experience of a crew member” and that an internal investigation had been launched. “Safety and regulatory compliance remain our top priorities,” the company pointed out, without giving further details.
The incident brings to mind another unusual situation in the United States last year, when an Alaska Airlines flight, operated by partner SkyWest, had to be diverted after the pilot admitted he was not qualified to land at the destination airport.
Flight 3491, which had taken off from San Francisco to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on August 8, 2024, was diverted to Salt Lake City, Utah, more than 450 kilometers away. According to witnesses, the pilot would have informed the passengers over the intercom that he “does not have the appropriate qualifications for this landing”.
Flight records show the aircraft flew over the Jackson Hole area several times before turning to Salt Lake City. Jackson Hole Airport is known for difficult landing conditions due to the altitude, short runway and strong air currents, which require special qualifications for pilots.
After the incident, local newspaper Cowboy State Daily reported that the pilot was seen leaving the plane visibly embarrassed to retrieve his luggage from the back of the aircraft.
