09nov05
A VIRGIN Blue flight has returned to Melbourne for a safety check soon after take-off following reports of an unusual smell in the cockpit.
Virgin Blue spokeswoman Amanda Bolger said flight DJ 809 from Melbourne to Sydney took off at 7am (AEDT), but returned to Melbourne Airport soon after.
"Just after take-off the captain noticed what he said was an unusual smell in the cockpit," Ms Bolger said.
"As a precaution, he returned to Melbourne for an engineering check.
"Our aircraft can return at the discretion of our pilots, who are encouraged to err on the side of caution where the circumstances are appropriate."
A Metropolitan Ambulance Service spokeswoman said paramedics were sent to the airport following reports of smoke in the cabin of the aircraft, but the call was cancelled before they arrived.
Ms Bolger said there was no smoke in the cabin or cockpit. No one was injured.
The plane was still being examined by aircraft engineers, Ms Bolger said.
Can't you mob sort it out in the air? "Pardon me" is all you have to say...