Pilots lash out over handling of bomb scare
Paul Kelly
Irish Examiner
__________
Irish pilots are demanding an explanation from the British authorities about why passengers on an Aer Arann flight were left on a plane in Scotland for an hour during a bomb scare.
An Aer Arann plane from Luton to Galway was diverted to Prestwick, Scotland, after a passenger spotted the word “bomb” and a picture of an arrow scrawled on a seat table during the flight.
When the plane landed, Scottish police ordered the 49 passengers to remain on board while the authorities dealt with the alert.
The passengers were eventually allowed off the plane and were interviewed, searched and photographed by detectives. No device was found.
But the decision to leave passengers on board during the Good Friday flight was last night criticised by the Irish Airline Pilots Association (IALPA).
IALPA’s Captain Michael McLaughlin said: “Once the plane is on the ground it seems illogical not to evacuate it immediately.
“If there was a bomb warning at a hotel it would be a surprise if the police ordered that no one was to leave. I’m perplexed and want to know what the rationale behind this is. The sensible thing to do is land and get the people off as soon as possible.”
Passengers, who arrived in Galway on Saturday after being put up in a hotel for the night, condemned the “irresponsible” hoaxer and said there was a feeling of frustration rather than fear on the plane.
Apr 17, 2006
Paul Kelly
Irish Examiner
__________
Irish pilots are demanding an explanation from the British authorities about why passengers on an Aer Arann flight were left on a plane in Scotland for an hour during a bomb scare.
An Aer Arann plane from Luton to Galway was diverted to Prestwick, Scotland, after a passenger spotted the word “bomb” and a picture of an arrow scrawled on a seat table during the flight.
When the plane landed, Scottish police ordered the 49 passengers to remain on board while the authorities dealt with the alert.
The passengers were eventually allowed off the plane and were interviewed, searched and photographed by detectives. No device was found.
But the decision to leave passengers on board during the Good Friday flight was last night criticised by the Irish Airline Pilots Association (IALPA).
IALPA’s Captain Michael McLaughlin said: “Once the plane is on the ground it seems illogical not to evacuate it immediately.
“If there was a bomb warning at a hotel it would be a surprise if the police ordered that no one was to leave. I’m perplexed and want to know what the rationale behind this is. The sensible thing to do is land and get the people off as soon as possible.”
Passengers, who arrived in Galway on Saturday after being put up in a hotel for the night, condemned the “irresponsible” hoaxer and said there was a feeling of frustration rather than fear on the plane.
Apr 17, 2006
