'Large bullseye on my back' after row with IAA, claims pilot in court

An Aer Lingus pilot suing over defamatory emails about him sent by the Irish Aviation Authority told the High Court there was "a large bullseye on my back" after he came into conflict with the IAA about its approach to validating licences for pilots using two-seat microlight aircraft.

Captain Padraig Higgins of Enfield, Co Meath, was giving evidence in a hearing before a judge and jury to determine what damages he should receive for the defamation, for which the IAA has already apologised.