British Airways pilot jailed for fraud after lying about flight experience to get job

At no point was there any risk to customers or colleagues, BA said

A British Airways pilot has been jailed for fraud after lying about his flight experience, the Civil Aviation Authority said.

Craig Butfoy, of Matfield, Kent, lied about his flight experience and fabricated references to get a job with British Airways subsidiary BA CityFlyer and former Irish regional airline Stobart Air between April 2016 and March 2018, Snaresbrook Crown Court, east London, heard on Monday

He pleaded guilty to four charges at an earlier hearing.

The 48-year-old is said to have made similar false claims to get work with Irish regional airline Stobart Air.

Butfoy allegedly provided false entries in a logbook, including flying time when the flights had taken place in a simulator.

The pilot had wanted to get a job with BA, the Civil Aviation Authority said (Victoria Jones/PA) (PA Archive)

Five of the charges allege Butfoy committed fraud “intending to make a gain, namely obtaining a job with BA CityFlyer”, a BA subsidiary which operates an Embraer 170 aircraft from London City airport to destinations in the UK and Europe.

Details outlined in court papers include an allegation that he falsely claimed to have flown 1,610 hours as a captain in a job application submitted to the firm.

He is also accused of giving false details on his CV, including that he had held a private pilot’s licence since 1998, and fabricating documents, including a training course certificate.

The airline runs flights in 11 European countries with Aer Lingus, according to the company’s website.

Mr Butfoy is alleged to have included false details on his CV, including a claim he had flown more than 650 hours as a private pilot, and fabricated references in support of a job application.

Jonathan Spence, General Counsel at the UK Civil Aviation Authority said pilot integrity is at the heart of aviation.

“The Civil Aviation Authority's prosecution and the sentence imposed show that offences of this kind are taken very seriously by the Civil Aviation Authority and the Courts,” Mr Spence said.

“Pilot integrity is at the heart of aviation safety and we will take all steps necessary to maintain that position.”

A British Airways spokesperson said at “no point” was there any risk to customers or colleagues.

“The safety of our customers and crew is always our priority, and the fully qualified pilot was suspended and an investigation launched as soon as BACityflyer became aware of discrepancies in his employment record,” the statement read.