BBC News: Pilot fined for terror threat
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Why did he bring up the fact he was a pilot
I have a very interesting job that carries a little bit of sway in public offices
No matter WHO I am arguing with I NEVER mention what I do to scrape a living (no not a policeman).
Perhaps his ego carried him away, something we have all done or nearly done.
But sometimes revenge is sweet just to see the reaction people who suddenly change their veiw
I have a very interesting job that carries a little bit of sway in public offices
No matter WHO I am arguing with I NEVER mention what I do to scrape a living (no not a policeman).
Perhaps his ego carried him away, something we have all done or nearly done.
But sometimes revenge is sweet just to see the reaction people who suddenly change their veiw
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We might all have good reason to curse our local authorities once this year's council tax bills land on our doorsteps, particularly in the south of England. Hopefully most of us will choose a slightly different means of protest as a result of reading this thread!
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If the reports above are correct, then he abused his professional position to threaten public servants in connection with an issue that did not involve his job. He brought his employer and his profession into disrepute - he also called his own judgement into question.
I have no comment about the court case, but I think that almost any employer would be entitled to dismiss an employee who behaved in that way. And they should.
I have no comment about the court case, but I think that almost any employer would be entitled to dismiss an employee who behaved in that way. And they should.
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On a more practical note, how is this guy going to be able to fly a plane to the US when he has a criminal record of this nature? I cannot see the US DOJ, or many other people, being too keen on him flying around our major cities. What about other countries declaring him persona non grata? There is also somebody with his name living in Glasgow with an FAA PP-AMEL. The TSA have power to revoke certificates now, with a 'terrorist' (and like it or not, that is how they will see it) conviction this would be a slam dunk. A great shame.
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Sense of Proportion
Agree with some of the posts that this matter seems to have been totally blown out of proportion. If anybody needs to be dealt with it is the petty council officials who saw fit to take an ill judged remark like this to the police.....hmmmm me thinks they were getting there own back because the individual concerned had the temerity to question their authority. I also agree with some others that just as these council employees were guilty of the big I am approach...many in aviation including pilots and groundstaff....can be guilty on occasion. We should show the same degree of realism and understanding when pax make unfortunate and stupid comments in the heat of the moment. A moment without thought should not condemn anyone to a criminal record, except where actual physical harm takes place. As others have quoted 'let he who is without sin cast the first stone' Myself included!!!!!!
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Thought provoking post from Slim_Slag
However, I believe he was convicted of 'Breach of the Peace', which is probably regarded in the U.S. as a Misdemeanor rather than a Felony, and as such he probably wouldn't have to give the reasons for the conviction to the Authorities.
Still - just shows you what the ramifications of one ill judged remark can be!!
However, I believe he was convicted of 'Breach of the Peace', which is probably regarded in the U.S. as a Misdemeanor rather than a Felony, and as such he probably wouldn't have to give the reasons for the conviction to the Authorities.
Still - just shows you what the ramifications of one ill judged remark can be!!
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What about pax who, being unhappy with cabin crew/service/particular airline decide to **** on their seat in biz class (this is quoted from an interline circular on air rage)? Should they be banned for ever from flying?
I don't mind being quoted "that after 3 years flying for Vietnam Airlines I will go back there only on a B-52 with nukes"...
I don't mind being quoted "that after 3 years flying for Vietnam Airlines I will go back there only on a B-52 with nukes"...
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As an airline passenger I can't believe that he has held onto his position.
If I was to make similarly stupid remarks in my profession I would lose my job and licence immediately, and quite correctly so.
As several posters above have said, if similar remarks were made by pax they would be off the plane and in jail very quickly.
Nice guy or not he was very stupid.
Gusty
If I was to make similarly stupid remarks in my profession I would lose my job and licence immediately, and quite correctly so.
As several posters above have said, if similar remarks were made by pax they would be off the plane and in jail very quickly.
Nice guy or not he was very stupid.
Gusty
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No doubt about it, as stated earlier the bloke's an absolute tosser and its a shame that he is associated with our professional carreer which he likes to bring to the attention of his local council. Pratt! Should have been sacked and licence taken away.
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Yes, he lost his cool and -- chances are -- would never carry out his threat.
Yes, it probably was a momentary aberration from this chap's normal behavior.
Yes, we should prolly agree that nobody's perfect (I sure as hell ain't).
And yes, we might feel some sympathy for him.
But remember this: the courts and prisons are filled with people who have done something stupid on the spur of the moment or when they are angry.
And there have been three cases in the last decade where ATPs have committed suicide, taking coworkers and pax with them (SilkAir, EgyptAir, and some Moroccan outfit, if memory serves... )
He made a terroristic threat and, at the helm of a 767, was technically in a position to back up that threat.
So, unless we are prepared to see cops keep their jobs after a single conviction for stealing, or see teachers keep their jobs after only one instance of child molestation, this guy has to go.
MyTravel: Fire him.
2cents precisely.
Yes, it probably was a momentary aberration from this chap's normal behavior.
Yes, we should prolly agree that nobody's perfect (I sure as hell ain't).
And yes, we might feel some sympathy for him.
But remember this: the courts and prisons are filled with people who have done something stupid on the spur of the moment or when they are angry.
And there have been three cases in the last decade where ATPs have committed suicide, taking coworkers and pax with them (SilkAir, EgyptAir, and some Moroccan outfit, if memory serves... )
He made a terroristic threat and, at the helm of a 767, was technically in a position to back up that threat.
So, unless we are prepared to see cops keep their jobs after a single conviction for stealing, or see teachers keep their jobs after only one instance of child molestation, this guy has to go.
MyTravel: Fire him.
2cents precisely.
ex-Tanker
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Ang on Ang on Ang on
The people who compare this guy's case to a passenger making an unsuitable remark at security are way off the beam.
Where did this fellow make his statement? At security? In an aircraft or a public area of an airport?
No! It was in a council office! I hate council offices, and I hate them even more when I see what petty jealous little bums will do to ruin a bloke's career. Aided and abetted by other vindictive bits of work, along the security chain, evidently. Shades of the third Reich.
What is indefensible is his shouting -and behaviour but that is not a terrorist threat, nor is it a security matter.
Now if I had an aeroplane, I might feel inclined to drive into -- oh, er perhaps not...
Where did this fellow make his statement? At security? In an aircraft or a public area of an airport?
No! It was in a council office! I hate council offices, and I hate them even more when I see what petty jealous little bums will do to ruin a bloke's career. Aided and abetted by other vindictive bits of work, along the security chain, evidently. Shades of the third Reich.
What is indefensible is his shouting -and behaviour but that is not a terrorist threat, nor is it a security matter.
Now if I had an aeroplane, I might feel inclined to drive into -- oh, er perhaps not...
