Pilot torn between Ryanair’s rules and obeying regulations

A DANISH pilot felt he had to choose between following regulations set by the Irish Aviation Authority and rules issued by Ryanair in deciding not to operate a return flight that would have required him to work in excess of daily safety limits, an Employment Appeals Tribunal in Dublin heard yesterday.

Former Ryanair pilot, Paul Christiansen claims he was wrongfully fired by the airline for not accepting a demotion arising out of the incident.

However, Ryanair claims Mr Christiansen was sacked for gross misconduct after he subsequently refused to attend both a simulation training exercise linked to his demotion and a meeting to investigate his initial refusal to fly the plane.