DENVER — The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation of what United Airlines calls “an unauthorized person in the flight deck” during a Colorado Rockies charter flight from Denver to Toronto last week. A video posted to social media appears to show a member of the Colorado Rockies coaching staff sitting in one of the two pilot’s seats while the plane was en route to Canada.
A spokesperson for United Airlines told 9NEWS, “we are deeply disturbed by what we see in that video.” The airline calls it “a clear violation of our safety and operational policies.” The cockpit visit happened, according to the airline, at cruise altitude and when autopilot was engaged.
The FAA confirms it is investigating this. “We do not comment on the details of open investigations,” read a statement sent to 9NEWS.
United said the pilots have been “withheld” from service while it conducts its own investigation.
9NEWS aviation expert Greg Feith said the responsibility lies with the airline and the pilots.
"The regulations are very clear, especially after 9/11 that no unauthorized persons are allowed in that cockpit and they are definitely not allowed to occupy a pilot position," he said. "This is on the airline and the two pilots."
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