B777 Flyby Draws Condemnation... But Was Witnessed From Cockpit By CP Chairman

The details surrounding the termination of an experienced pilot for an impromptu fly-by are getting a mite more intriguing. Following the acceptance of a new B777 for Cathay Pacific Airlines, details have recently emerged confirming that the PIC had high-level company along who (one assumes) could have stopped the fly-by at any time had he wanted... since he was in the cockpit.

Christopher Pratt CBE, chairman of Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific, is now widely reported to have been IN THE COCKPIT, sitting in a jump seat right behind pilot Ian Wilkinson when he performed the fly-by on the plane's January 31st maiden flight out of Seattle.

ANN reported that veteran pilot Ian Wilkinson was piloting a new Boeing 777-300ER from Paine Field, near Boeing's plant at Everett, Washington, to its new home in Hong Kong when he reportedly came around and did a low pass. Witnesses (and video) confirm that the new Cathay Pacific wide-body airliner overflew the runway at just 28 feet, gear up, at around 275 knots. Cathay Pacific's Director Of Engineering, Christopher Gibbs, is also reported to have been in a jump seat in the cockpit at the time of the fly-by. Media reports form the UK confirm that neither company official complained at the time of the flight and industry reports allege that both were "amused" at the event -- at the time.

Still; Wilkinson -- 55 years old and nearing retirement -- was fired by the airline -- reportedly for doing the stunt without company approval and despite reports of other such maneuvers by other pilots... though none of them were as well-witnessed as this particular flight. The case became controversial with industry bloggers, who note that the practice is certainly not uncommon, and reported that 30 company VIPs were onboard, including the company chairman. Also; Wilkinson reportedly did get approval for the fly-by from the Paine tower.

Despite the fact that Cathay Pacific big-wigs toasted Wilkinson when he reached Hong Kong following the flight last month, their attitude changed when video of the fly-by wound up on YouTube. That video is rumored to have been purchased by the airline from its owner, resulting in its prompt removal from the web. Wilkinson is reportedly considering an appeal.

FMI: www.cathaypacific.com