Two pilots from Algeria’s national airline have been suspended for allegedly allowing a 10-year-old boy to operate controls in the cockpit during a commercial flight.
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The incident took place on a Air Algerie flight from Algiers’ Houari Boumediene International Airport to Setif Regional Airport. According to Algerie360 the young boy, who is an orphan, got the opportunity to tour the cockpit as part of a charity event.
Algerian TV channel El Bilad later broadcast footage of the child’s experience. In the footage the young boy, who is wearing a captain’s hat and blazer, can be seen pushing buttons while sitting in a pilot’s seat.
The channel interviewed the child and the pilots, one of whom said the boy was able to manipulate the aircraft, which is breach of civil aviation regulations.
“He was very disciplined, calm and attentive. I am sure he will be a good pilot,” the pilot said according to The Telegraph.
After the footage was broadcast the pilots were suspended, Algerie360 report. The captain was later arrested for permitting a child into the cockpit and allowing the boy to control the aircraft in flight, according to The Aviation Herald.