An Air Canada pilot has flown over one thousand passenger-packed domestic and international flights since 2009. Over that time, pilot Geoffrey Wall earned more than $2.9 million for servicing over 900 flights as a captain.
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The problem is, Wall did not have the proper credentials to fly the aforementioned flights, according to the Peel Regional Police.
During a press conference, Peel police deputy chief Nick Milinovich stated that Wall's strange situation mirrored a Hollywood script.
"This is very similar to a doctor that is licensed to practice family medicine but is doing brain surgery in their office," Milinovich said.
Authorities said that although Wall held a valid commercial pilot license, he did not possess the required airline transport pilot license to serve as a captain.
"There's additional requirements and regulations to professional designations that exist for a reason," Milinovich said.
Nishan Duraiappah, the Peel chief of police, suggested that Wall's career had endangered the lives of many.
"This case is deeply concerning and strikes at the heart of public trust and safety. As the accused is alleged to have put hundreds of thousands of passengers at risk across more than 900 domestic and international flights," Duraiappah said.
Geoffrey Wall Relieved of Pilot Duties
Air Canada said Wall was removed from active duty after it was discovered that he did not have the correct license. He is no longer employed by the airline.
Air Canada released a statement explaining why, despite Wall's lack of proper credentials, passengers' lives were not at risk.
"Safety was not compromised by this incident. All pilots at Air Canada undergo mandatory recurrent training every six months to validate their flying competency. Including a flight check with a certified Transport Canada check-pilot every 12 months," the airline said in a statement.
"However, appropriate licensing is an essential layer of the airline industry's multilayered approach to safety. So, Air Canada takes this matter with utmost seriousness.
"I am gratified that we were able to detect this issue. And get it dealt with," Transport Minister Steve MacKinnon said.
