Pilot jailed for lying to get British Airways job

London: A British Airways pilot has been handed a 12-month prison sentence for fraud after lying about his flight experience, the Civil Aviation Authority said.

As per reports, the pilot identified as Craig Butfoy, made false claims to get and retain work with British Airways subsidiary BA CityFlyer, between April 2016 and March 2018.

Butfoy, reportedly, entered false details and altered entries in his flight logbook to appear more experienced.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court, the pilot pleaded guilty to four charges of fraud.

Jonathan Spence, general counsel at the CAA, said: “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.

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

Details outlined in court papers included an allegation he falsely claimed to have flown 1,610 hours as a captain in a job application submitted to BA CityFlyer.

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