Contradictory Messages
"This was a breach of safety procedures that could have resulted in mass casualties," the Civil Aviation Authority source noted. "It's very serious and should be treated as a near miss."
El Al said: "El Al has attached the greatest importance to flight safety and the safety of our passengers ever since the airline was founded. Because of the improper conduct of the captain of the Boeing 767, El Al decided to involve the relevant professional authorities. The pilot was grounded, and the authorities have agreed that for a period of four months, he is to be downgraded to copilot, after which he will have to requalify as captain. The safety of the passengers and crew were at no time endangered
Union backs pilot
Following the incident, El Al's management sought to institute severe sanctions against the pilot. However, the El Al pilots union, backed by the Israel Air Pilots Association, objected strenuously. The parties therefore ultimately reached a compromise under which the pilot would only be allowed to work as a copilot, rather than as captain, for several months, until he completes additional professional training and requalifies as a captain.