BA pilots sue over ‘painful’ safety checks

BRITISH Airways pilots are claiming safety procedures introduced after 9/11 gave them repeated strain injuries and are consequently suing the airline.

Spearheaded by Capt. Jonathan Parry, the sixteen veteran fliers say they were left with painful neck and spinal conditions caused by constantly turning round to check CCTV at the rear of the cockpit when crew buzzed to be let in.

The three-camera security system was brought in after the 9/11 attacks to stop terrorists from invading the plane's cockpit. However, lawyers for the pilots say that rather than requiring fliers to crane their necks, the security screens should have been positioned at the front of the cabin.

Lawyers say there could even be health and safety issues if a pilot were to suffer a neck injury mid-flight. The pilots are now claiming compensation pay-outs ranging from £10,000 to £100,000.

57-year-old Capt. Parry, of Camberley, Surrey, had spinal surgery in 2015, and estimated he would have to open the security door about five times an hour during a flight – amounting to 5,000 "neck twists per year."

British Airways is denying liability and contesting the size of the claims in papers filed at Central London County Court. A trial date has yet to be set.

Collings Solicitors
Altrincham
0161 928 5558