A Virgin Atlantic was forced to turn back and return to Heathrow when it was discovered that the co-pilot was not a qualified pilot.
The plane was heading to New York and 40 minutes after take off, Virgin Atlantic managers on the ground discovered that the first officers had not finished their exams and was still in training.
This caused chaos with the Airbus A330 as it had to return to London only an hour into the flight on Monday while it was over Ireland. It then had to wait on the tarmac until the airline could find a qualified pilot.
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According to the Mirror, Passengers were left angry with the long delay and the knock-on effect for other flights and connections.
The Flight VS3 finally arrived in New York two hours 40 minutes late.
A source told The Sun: “You could have cut the tension in the cockpit with a knife.
“The plane got as far as Ireland and then they found out the first officer was still in training.
“The skipper had no choice but to go back to Heathrow and find a more experienced member of the crew
“It was embarrassing for everyone and the passengers were furious.”
While first officers are qualified pilots whose role is to ensure the safety of the flight, support the captain and talk to air traffic control, they need to be accompanied by a training captain according to Virgin Atlantic policy, it is reported.
The airline insisted the safety of the plane was not compromised and that both crew members were fully licenced and qualified to fly the aircraft.
A spokesman for Virgin Atlantic, reported The Telegraph, 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.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers who arrived 2 hours 40 minutes later than scheduled as a result of the crew change.”
A spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority told the news outlet: “Virgin Atlantic has made us aware of the incident. Both pilots were suitably licensed and qualified to undertake the flight.”
The Mirror has contacted Virgin Atlantic and the Civil Aviation Authority for comment.
