Europe’s largest budget airline, Ryanair, is threatening to dismiss some of its pilots after investigations into several near-accidents during 2006 revealed “high energy approach incidents.” During one near-miss, for example, the captain realized he was too high to land safely and decided to fly in a tight circle to lose height, despite contrary advice from his co-pilot — and warning buzzers from inside the cockpit. Consequently, as the plane made its approach, it flew just feet from rooftops, prompting complaints from passengers and residents alike.
To that end, Ryanair’s chief executive, Michael O’Leary, has issued a memo to all pilots warning them that:
- the first time they make a a dangerous approach, they face demotion;
- the second time they make a a dangerous approach, they face dismissal.
Although ridership has skyrocketed over the past decade, the airline has received ample criticism recently because it allows just 25 minutes to turn flights around, which has lead to complaints from unions that pilots are under pressure and are more likely to make mistakes.
