Girl, aged 5, flew packed holiday jet
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A British Airways pilot and co-pilot have been suspended and could face the sack after a five-year-old girl operated the controls of a packed jet.
Holidaymakers were flying back from the south of France to Heathrow on a Boeing 757 when the toddler was allowed onto the flight deck.
She then perched on one of the pilot's knees and was allowed to press buttons on the instrument panel.
A BA spokeswoman confirmed that, following a passenger's complaint, the captain, Phil Higton, and his co-pilot were under suspension.
She said: "We have suspended them pending an investigation. We do view it as a serious breach of company regulations but it is important to stress that at no time was the safety of the passengers compromised.
A newspaper named the girl the girl as Emily Pickersgill and said she spent 20 minutes on the flight deck, at one stage pressing a button to make the plane turn.
It also said the plane was 15 minutes from Heathrow, although the BA spokeswoman said this was unlikely.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments