British Airways captain grounded over claims he covered up medical history of sudden bouts of anger
A BRITISH Airways captain has been grounded over claims he covered up his medical history of sudden bouts of anger.
The pilot, said to have been having rows with his ex-wife — also a pilot — during a bitter divorce, is facing allegations he would lash out without warning.
However, his history of impulsive anger management failures had been airbrushed from his records, it has been alleged.
Airline bosses barred him from flying while they investigate.
It came to light when a whistle-blower contacted the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to claim the pilot’s medical record had been doctored.
His superiors were said to have had no choice but to stop the captain from entering the cockpit during their probe.
A source said: “The idea of a captain in charge of passengers at 30,000ft suddenly lashing out in fits of rage is a big no, no.
“If anger management problems were part of his medical history, there is no chance he’d be allowed to fly.
“Falsifying medical records is an incredibly serious accusation and would fall into the criminal realm of fraudulently acquiring a job.
“Bosses had no choice but to ground the pilot while a probe was ongoing.”
The pilot was reported to the CAA in mid-January.
It issues qualified pilots a licence to fly, “provided you do not suffer from any physical or mental condition or illness . . . that might impair the safe operation of normal flight controls”.
The CAA was obliged to inform British Airways, which stood down the captain — although he has not been formally suspended.
BA confirmed a pilot had been grounded while the CAA declined to comment.