Virgin Atlantic pilot fired after working for another airline at the same time

Briefing

• Flying for several airlines at the same time can lead to fatigue, impaired decision-making and violations of strict duty regulations.
• The pilot’s actions could result in fines, penalties and possible license revocation for both KM Malta Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.
• The importance of respecting the duty time restrictions imposed by EU regulations to ensure the safe operation of aircraft and to prevent dangerous flights.

Being an airline pilot comes with a lot of responsibility. As a result, the industry is highly regulated. Pilots fly a limited number of hours in a duty period to ensure they are sharp and focused on the safe operation of the aircraft.

This particular situation is impressive and disturbing. The entrepreneurial pilot flew simultaneously for Malta’s new state-funded company KM Malta Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.

With two times

According to Shift, First Officer Danica Theuma was employed by both KM Malta Airlines and Virgin Atlantic. She appears to have worked for both airlines simultaneously, at least since December 2023, until she was accidentally caught last month.

Theuma flew primarily for KM Malta Airlines and, in her spare time, flew to London Heathrow International Airport (LHR) and operated aircraft under the Virgin Atlantic flag. While the breach of contract is obvious, the main issue with this situation is that Theuma was breaking leave and duty restrictions by working for Virgin Atlantic during the period of mandatory leave.

Lack of adequate rest significantly reduces performance and can lead to impaired decision-making, which can result in catastrophic emergency outcomes. In addition to violating airline regulations, Theuma also broke ICAO and EU regulations, putting both airlines at risk of fines and penalties and possibly compromising the airline’s insurance and liability.

In addition, Theuma could also have falsified records, especially her diaries, since if she recorded her actual hours, she would have clearly broken the law and could have been caught earlier during the exams and currency controls.

After being caught, Virgin immediately fired the initial pilot. However, KM Malta Airlines only suspended it before reinstating it soon after. So she is still actively flying for the airline, much to the dismay of her fellow pilots. According to senior pilots at the airline, the pilot’s ward is furious with the decision to slap him on the wrist.

Duty regulations for pilots

There are strict duty regulations for pilots around the world, and breaking them will endanger both the pilot and the operator. It may be grounds for revocation of the pilot’s license.

According to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), a pilot should not operate an aircraft if he is tired or unfit to the extent that he would endanger the flight. Without adequate rest, a person’s motor skills and decision-making suffer, similar to those inhibited by alcohol or drugs.

Pilots involved in multi-pilot commercial operations have the following duty time limitations set by the EU, according to the European Cabin Crew Association:

• Flight time:
  • A maximum of 10 hours of actual flight time per day, with an extension of two hours in special circumstances.
  • Maximum 100 hours of flight time in every 28 days.
  • Maximum time of 900 hours in a calendar year.
• Duty time:
  • Maximum 13 hours per day.
  • Maximum 190 hours in any 28 consecutive days.

• 

  Virgin Atlantic

  IATA/ICAO code:

  VS/VIR

  Airline type:

  Full service carrier

  Center(s):

  London Heathrow Airport

  Year of establishment:

  1984

  CEO:

  Shai Weiss

  Country:

  United Kingdom