Air New Zealand pilots stood down after mid-air drama sees first officer locked out of cockpit
Air New Zealand has stood down two pilots after midair "tension" between the pair led to the first officer being locked out of the cockpit.
The Captain involved in the incident has been taken off duty for two weeks and the First Officer for one week.
The incident occurred on a Perth-Auckland flight on May 21 following a delay in the flight's departure.
Air New Zealand says the flight was delayed after the first officer was required to undertake a random drug and alcohol test.
"This departure delay frustrated the captain who prides himself on operational efficiency," Air New Zealand's manager of operational integrity and safety Errol Burtenshaw said.
During the overnight flight the first officer left the flight deck for a comfort break before having coffee with a cabin crew member in the galley area.
When he tried to return to the cockpit the crew member spent up to two minutes attempting to call through to the captain to advise that the first officer was at the hijack secured cockpit door, but the calls went unanswered.
"The captain did not respond or open the door because he was approaching a navigational waypoint and in his cockpit monitor saw a cabin crew member rather than the first officer ringing," Mr Burtenshaw said.
"The first officer became concerned that the captain did not answer the calls and used an alternative entry method to gain access."
The airline has conducted an investigation into the incident and a report has been sent to aviation authorities.
Mr Burtenshaw said both pilots have undergone counselling and additional training.
The Civil Aviation Authority says it is satisfied with the disciplinary action.
Some cabin crew became anxious about the inability to contact the captain and were offered counselling.
original post found her http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-06/air-nz/5575286
No comments :
Post a Comment