A Virgin Atlantic flight to New York was allegedly forced to turn back after 40 minutes as a pilot was still in training. The long-haul flight was headed to New York from Heathrow Airport but was immediately sent back to the UK when the captain realised.
The first officer allegedly told the captain on the flight that he had not yet completed his final flying test, Birmingham Mail reports. Disgruntledon board were subsequently informed they would be heading back to where they started immediately - Heathrow Airport.
A spokesman said: “Due to a rostering error, flight VS3 from London Heathrow to New York-JFK returned to Heathrow on Monday 2nd May shortly after take-off. The qualified first officer, who was flying alongside an experienced captain, was replaced with a new pilot to ensure full compliance with Virgin Atlantic’s training protocols, which exceed industry standards.
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“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers who arrived two hours, 40 minutes later than scheduled as a result of the crew change.”
A Civil Aviation Authority spokesman said: "Virgin Atlantic have made us aware of the incident. Both pilots were suitably licensed and qualified to undertake the flight." A source told the Sun newspaper: “The skipper had no choice but to go back to Heathrow and find a more experienced member of the crew."
