Cockpit selfies land Jet pilot in trouble

 Posting selfies clicked in a cockpit on Facebook has landed a Jet Airways pilot in trouble.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) summoned him on Wednesday to seek his explanation. A decision on action against the pilot is likely to be taken on Thursday. Sahil Arora, the pilot, allowed his acquaintances entry in the cockpit and took selfies with them, which he posted on his Facebook account. One of the photos showed him with his friends and cabin crew of the plane.

According to DGCA guidelines, very few people have the right to enter the cockpit. Officials said they would examine whether the action amounts to serious compromise of security guidelines.

Officials, however, indicated that he might escape with a reprimand. The pictures could not be accessed on Arora’s Facebook timeline as he apparently deleted the images. Arora had also posted pictures with actor Shah Rukh Khan and rapper Honey Singh.

Arora, who appeared before DGCA officials, was asked about the incident. Officials said they have heard his side of the story besides taking some documents and files from him.

The pilot could not be contacted for his comments.

The DGCA has earlier suspended the flying licence of four pilots who allowed their family members inside the cockpit mid-air. Another pilot was taken off for allowing passengers inside cockpit just before take-off.

Jet Airways is also conducting an internal inquiry to ascertain the circumstances. It has said that the pilot will not be utilised for flying duties pending completion of the inquiry.