Fake Italian pilot travelled in cockpit
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Fake Italian pilot travelled in cockpit
Already posted in Italian on the Italian forum but I thought it was of wider interest.
A man who posed as an airline pilot and travelled in the cockpit of at least one plane was arrested in Turin Airport using forged identity cards and wearing a pilot’s uniform, Italian police said on Saturday.
The 32-year-old, whose real name was not released, allegedly created a fake identity as a Lufthansa pilot named “Andrea Sirlo,” complete with a Facebook page that included fake flight attendant friends.
Police said they were alerted several months ago after “Sirlo” introduced himself as a captain to a Civil Aviation lieutenant, who became suspicious because he seemed too young for the job.
The national military police tracked down the suspect from photos on his Facebook profile, in which he is shown posing in uniform and sunglasses in front of airplanes.
He was arrested in the check-in area of Turin Airport on Friday.
Police said “Sirlo” had travelled for free on at least one flight as a “third pilot” sitting in the cockpit. They were investigating whether he had flown as an imposter at other times.
Lufthansa declined to comment on whether one of their flights had been involved and said it was a matter for the police.
At a press conference, police displayed a white shirt with epaulettes and a black double-breasted jacket with pilot stripes sewn on the cuffs. They said they also seized fake resumes, airline badges and an airport staff parking permit.
Turin Airport said in a statement it had not issued any permits in the name of the person involved.
A profile on a website where users can track their flights shows “Pilot Andrea Sirlo” flying from Munich Airport to Turin on Oct. 23, 2011. ()
Munich Airport did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The case recalls the 2002 film “Catch Me If You Can,” in which Leonardo DiCaprio played Frank Abagnale, a real-life con man who is said to have flown more than 1,600,000 kilometers (1 million miles) as a fake Pan American pilot in the 1960s.
’Sirlo’ is the name of a flight corridor over Turin.
The 32-year-old, whose real name was not released, allegedly created a fake identity as a Lufthansa pilot named “Andrea Sirlo,” complete with a Facebook page that included fake flight attendant friends.
Police said they were alerted several months ago after “Sirlo” introduced himself as a captain to a Civil Aviation lieutenant, who became suspicious because he seemed too young for the job.
The national military police tracked down the suspect from photos on his Facebook profile, in which he is shown posing in uniform and sunglasses in front of airplanes.
He was arrested in the check-in area of Turin Airport on Friday.
Police said “Sirlo” had travelled for free on at least one flight as a “third pilot” sitting in the cockpit. They were investigating whether he had flown as an imposter at other times.
Lufthansa declined to comment on whether one of their flights had been involved and said it was a matter for the police.
At a press conference, police displayed a white shirt with epaulettes and a black double-breasted jacket with pilot stripes sewn on the cuffs. They said they also seized fake resumes, airline badges and an airport staff parking permit.
Turin Airport said in a statement it had not issued any permits in the name of the person involved.
A profile on a website where users can track their flights shows “Pilot Andrea Sirlo” flying from Munich Airport to Turin on Oct. 23, 2011. ()
Munich Airport did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The case recalls the 2002 film “Catch Me If You Can,” in which Leonardo DiCaprio played Frank Abagnale, a real-life con man who is said to have flown more than 1,600,000 kilometers (1 million miles) as a fake Pan American pilot in the 1960s.
’Sirlo’ is the name of a flight corridor over Turin.
The 32-year-old,........introduced himself as a captain to a Civil Aviation lieutenant, who became suspicious because he seemed too young for the job.
Last edited by wiggy; 23rd Sep 2012 at 08:13.
So 32 is considered by some at least to be too young to be an airline captain in Italy
https://twitter.com/AndreaSirlo
Unless of course he has a namesake who really is.
Last edited by DaveReidUK; 23rd Sep 2012 at 08:42.
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That was in the original newspaper article, in the updated one they only talk about F/O and being to young to go from 2 to 3 stripes at 32.
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That's no Cityline uniform...can't believe anyone falling for that...at least at Dolomiti or Lufthansa....
And (no offence ment to ryr/Ali guys & girls) possing In front of Ryanair and Alitalia as Cityline pilot....please
And (no offence ment to ryr/Ali guys & girls) possing In front of Ryanair and Alitalia as Cityline pilot....please
Last edited by Micky; 23rd Sep 2012 at 10:11.
In a certain ME airline, there is a 777 captain (reached his command this year) and he is 31. Certified and correct.... and 31.
Not too impossible to be a commander at 31 methinks
Not too impossible to be a commander at 31 methinks
Last edited by Desert Dawg; 23rd Sep 2012 at 11:16.
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Based on my own experience several years ago and from a recent report, both on Air France 747's, there were at least several passengers going in and out of the cockpit while in flight.
Bet you that wouldn't happen at BA.
Bet you that wouldn't happen at BA.
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Thank God for CASS in the U.S.
Shouldn't European regulators introduce something similar too?
Shouldn't European regulators introduce something similar too?
That is far too sensible for something similar to be implemented here. This is Europe man - you are thinking USA !!
What you are suggesting is the co-operation and resolve of a bunch of fractious country-states, not so long ago still at war with each other, who's only common desire is to get ahead at the expense of the majority. Spending money just to make a system actually user friendly for plebians such as pilots is just not the way the aviation autocrats operate, dear boy.
Good grief, we'll have people suggesting a common currency next !
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Please, gentlemen.
Under CASS you couldn't even bring your own child into the cockpit.
There are sensible ways between taking just any wannabe or absolutely no-one int the cockpit.
Let's just keep our own judgement next to sensible rules a factor in this whole hysterical mess.
Under CASS you couldn't even bring your own child into the cockpit.
There are sensible ways between taking just any wannabe or absolutely no-one int the cockpit.
Let's just keep our own judgement next to sensible rules a factor in this whole hysterical mess.
Last edited by seat 0A; 23rd Sep 2012 at 13:09.
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Not too impossible to be a commander at 31 methinks
That surprised me. I believe the source.
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Not too impossible to be a commander at 31 methinks
I have been told of a captain in a certain low cost irish outfit ,who,five years ago had never even FLOWN an aeroplane.
That surprised me. I believe the source.
I have been told of a captain in a certain low cost irish outfit ,who,five years ago had never even FLOWN an aeroplane.
That surprised me. I believe the source.
In Europe this is absolutely normal for a cadet, believe me.
EDIT: PS This was not in Ryanair either (before the bashers shoot me down!)
Last edited by Mr Good Cat; 23rd Sep 2012 at 13:21.
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As a helo pilot I'd be interested to know if you are allowed to let flight attendants pilot the aircraft from the left seat while en-route with pax aboard. Maybe because they are staff this could be considered ok?
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The 32-year-old,........introduced himself as a captain to a Civil Aviation lieutenant, who became suspicious because he seemed too young for the job. So 32 is considered by some at least to be too young to be an airline captain in Italy.......is that a fair reflection of "local" crew demography
So said, it's normal from the point of view of people to tell that is strange to have a Cpt of 32 years old!
As a helo pilot I'd be interested to know if you are allowed to let flight attendants pilot the aircraft from the left seat while en-route with pax aboard. Maybe because they are staff this could be considered ok?
Is that a joke or are you serious?!
We never let CA take control of aircraft nor even seat in pilot seats (only exception as many Operator's SOP, when some flight crew leave the cockpit to go to the toilet)!!Not even take communication!
A lot of licensed Italian pilots could be considered "fake". But hell, they look the part
Last edited by JQKA; 23rd Sep 2012 at 15:19.
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RoyHudd:
Watch out!
You're insulting my COUNTRY and my pilots (I have instructed hundreds of them).
At least our pilots have never crossed a Continent and the Pond with an engine failure.
A lot of licensed Italian pilots could be considered "fake". But hell, they look the part!
You're insulting my COUNTRY and my pilots (I have instructed hundreds of them).
At least our pilots have never crossed a Continent and the Pond with an engine failure.
Last edited by DOVES; 23rd Sep 2012 at 15:17.
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DOVES....
But let's the guy come back here and explain not just us but all..his affirmation, and according to what is been able to write down this bull****!
RoyHudd waiting for YOU.
But let's the guy come back here and explain not just us but all..his affirmation, and according to what is been able to write down this bull****!
RoyHudd waiting for YOU.