CAA claims pilot lied to get job with two airlines

A PILOT has been charged with fraud after allegedly lying about his flight experience and qualifications to get a job with British Airways.

Craig Butfoy, 48, is said to have made similar false claims to get work with Irish regional airline Stobart Air.

He has been charged with eight counts of fraud by false representation between April 2016 and March 2017 in a prosecution brought by the Civil Aviation Authority ( CAA).

Five of the charges allege Butfoy committed fraud “intending to make a gain, namely obtaining a job with BA CityFlyer”, a BA subsidiary which operates an Embraer 170 aircraft from London City airport to destinations in the UK and Europe.

Details outlined in court papers include an allegation he falsely claimed to have flown 1,610 hours as a captain in a job application submitted to the firm.

He is also accused of giving false details on his CV, including that he had held a private pilot’s licence since 1998, and fabricating documents, including a training course certificate. Butfoy, who lives in Matfield, near Royal Tunbridge Wells, in Kent, is charged with three similar offences alleging fraud “intending to make a gain, namely obtaining a job with Stobart Air”.

Butfoy is alleged to have included false details on his CV, including a claim he had flown more than 650 hours as a private pilot, and fabricated references in support of a job application.

He is also accused of providing false entries in a logbook, including flying time when the flights had taken place in a simulator.

A BA spokesman said the company was unable to comment while court proceedings are ongoing. Stobart Air has been approached for comment. The case was adjourned to a date yet to be set.