A British pilot has been sacked after performing a low-flying stunt with a
brand new Boeing 777.
Captain Ian Wilkinson flew the Cathay Pacific plane within 28 feet of the
ground with its undercarriage raised, at Boeing's Seattle airfield.
The aircraft was on its delivery flight and packed with the airline's VIPs.
The airline said Capt Wilkinson, 55, had not sought or obtained permission
for the fly-by on January 30, and had been dismissed.
The co-pilot, Ray Middleton, has also been "subject to disciplinary
actions" - understood to be suspension from training duties for six months.
Pictures of the huge aircraft flying just feet from the ground were posted
on websites including YouTube.
There were 69 people on board, including Cathay's UK chairman Chris Pratt.
The airline said: "We can confirm a fly-by event involving the delivery
flight of a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft departing from the manufacturer's
plant in Seattle on January 30, 2008.
"The airline is conducting an internal investigation into the incident,
including the collection of flight data, and interviews with the crew
involved."
It had issued a notice to all cockpit crew reminding them of the company's
"well-established" approval policy for conducting fly-bys.
--
Where there is discord, may we bring harmony.
Where there is error, may we bring truth.
Where there is doubt, may we bring faith.
And where there is despair, may we bring hope.
Margaret Thatcher, 3rd May 1979.
http://www.conservatives.com

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