South African Airways goes after pilot who held wrong license

SAA has laid fraud charges against a former pilot after finding out that he operated international flights with the wrong type of license. SAA is seeking to reclaim “millions of rand” paid to the aviator on the assumption that he held an Airline Transport Pilot License, it said Friday. Following an incident involving a flight to Germany last year, it was found that he possessed only a basic Commercial Pilot License, it said. Airlines require the more comprehensive ATPL for international flights. “SAA has suffered actual financial prejudice and has opened a criminal case of fraud against that pilot,” said SAA spokesman Tlali Tlali. “Necessary steps will be taken to recover the money unduly paid to him. These include salary, overtime and allowances.” The discrepancy was revealed during the investigation of an incident in which an Airbus SE A340-600 encountered turbulence over the Swiss Alps en route to Frankfurt. The disturbance put it the jet an “over-speed condition,” SAA said, and the pilots were forced to perform a maneuver to regain stable flying. The plane landed safely and was found to be airworthy and properly maintained.<br/>