Ryanair pilots under investigation for rubber chicken prank in cockpit
Ryanair has launched an investigation into two pilots after a video emerged of one appearing to use a rubber chicken to operate the throttle of a commercial plane.
The footage, which was seen by The Sun, shows the pilots in the cockpit of a Boeing 737-800 with the first officer showing the camera an open-mouthed rubber chicken before using it to push the throttle lever forward.
Another clip shows the pilot giggling while squeezing the toy, causing it to squeak and in another, he hangs rosary beads off “critical cockpit controls”.
Aviation consultant David Gleave told The Sun he believes the pilot’s behaviour did not put passengers at risk.
“It’s a fun video which is entertaining and de-stressing the pilots, and probably designed to be shared among their friends, but you could argue it damages the brand,” he said.
“There is no risk to the public. In the grand scheme of things, I don’t see much wrong.”
Travel Weekly has reached out to Ryanair, but is yet to receive a response. However, a spokeswoman for the airline told The Sun that the images and video show crew “on the ground in a parked aircraft with the engines shut down”.
“While the images are unprofessional, the actions in them posed no risk and safety was never compromised,” the spokeswoman said.
“We encourage our crew to enjoy their work. However, we expect them to remain professional at all times and we are investigating the matter further.”
You can see pictures from the footage HERE.
Featured image source: iStock/wuviveka
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