The Federal Aviation Administration and United Airlines are investigating after members of the Colorado Rockies’ traveling team were allegedly seen on video sitting in the captain’s chair in the cockpit of a plane during a team flight on April 10. The Wall Street Journal reported.
According to reports, the Rockies were on their way to Toronto on a charter flight operated by United Airlines when the video was shot.
After the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, federal regulations regarding who could be on the flight deck tightened, and United Airlines’ own operating manual requires the cockpit door to be kept closed, as on regular commercial aircraft. is required.
The FAA confirmed to the Wall Street Journal that it is investigating the alleged incident.
The video, which was said to have been posted to Instagram by a Rockies staff member, showed the man in the pilot’s seat, with his co-pilot next to him in the cockpit.
The door to the cockpit appeared to be open, and as the camera panned around the cockpit, another person, who did not appear to be a member of the flight crew, entered the doorway.
The video was deleted from the person’s account, but a screen recording of the original post was circulated on X.
The newspaper said the video was also posted on YouTube and it was unclear how long the unauthorized person remained in the cockpit.
“We are extremely disturbed by footage that appears to show an unauthorized person on the flight deck at cruising altitude while the autopilot is engaged,” United Airlines said in a statement.
“As a clear violation of our safety and operational policies, we reported this incident to the FAA and withheld the pilot from service while we investigate.”
The FAA confirmed it is investigating the matter. According to 9News.
“I will not comment on the details of the public investigation.”
