| Pilots warned over reckless approaches
 EUROPE’S
largest budget airline Ryanair is threatening to sack pilots after a series
of air accident investigations into hazardous approaches to airports.
The airline has been investigated for three serious incidents in less
than a year which involved aircraft approaching an airport either too
fast or at the wrong height. In each case the pilots were forced to abort
landing.
In the latest to emerge a Ryanair jet came within 425ft of the ground
as it passed over the suburbs of Cork triggering two alarms in the cockpit
and dozens of complaints from concerned residents.
Following the latest report from the Irish Air Accident Investigation
Unit Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has issued a memo to
all pilots warning them they will face demotion the first time they make
a dangerous approach and dismissal should they make a second.
The most recent incident in June last year involved a flight carrying
134 passengers from Stansted to Cork. As the captain began his descent
he realised he was too high to land safely and decided to fly in a tight
circle to lose height despite contrary advice from his co-pilot. As it
made its final approach the aircraft flew just feet from rooftops.
The report said the “serious incident” was caused by the captain
failing to comply with standard procedures and ignoring the advice of
the co-pilot. The low-cost airline allows just 25 minutes to turn flights
around which has led to complaints from unions that pilots are under pressure
and are more likely to make mistakes.
Ryanair said in a statement: “The board of Ryanair takes safety
extremely seriously. Safety is Ryanair’s number one priority. Our
safety instruction to all pilots is: If in doubt you must perform a go-around.”
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