Viral Video Shows Rockies Baseball Coach in United Airlines Cockpit, Sparks Federal Investigation
ICARO Media Group
In a recent viral video that emerged on social media, a Colorado Rockies baseball coach was seen seated in the cockpit of a United Airlines charter flight from Denver to Toronto. The video, originally posted by the Rockies' hitting coach Hensley Meulens, showcased Meulens sitting in one of the pilot seats while the plane was en route to Canada.
Meulens captioned the video, stating, "Had some fun in the cockpit on our flight from Denver to Toronto. Thanks to the captain and the first officer of our United charter that allowed me this great experience." In the footage, Meulens can be seen jokingly pretending to take over the controls of the plane, even making comments about landing it. At one point, another member of the coaching staff joins him in the cockpit.
However, the video has since been deleted due to the controversy it sparked. United Airlines spokesperson Russell Carlton expressed deep concern at the content of the video, stating, "We're deeply disturbed by what we see in that video, which appears to show an unauthorized person in the flight deck at cruise altitude while the autopilot was engaged."
Carlton highlighted that allowing the coach into the cockpit violated the airline's safety and operational policies. Consequently, United Airlines has taken immediate action by removing the pilots from service pending the outcome of the investigation. The incident has been reported to the Federal Aviation Administration, who will carry out a thorough examination.
The video has generated widespread concern among the aviation community, as it raises issues regarding security and unauthorized access to the cockpit. Federal investigators will look into the specific details of the incident to determine whether any regulations were violated.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to strict safety protocols within the airline industry. Airlines are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the flight deck.
Going forward, it is expected that this investigation will shed light on the circumstances surrounding the incident and lead to necessary measures to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future. The aviation community will closely follow the progress of the investigation, awaiting updates and appropriate actions taken by the relevant authorities.