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Aer Lingus pilot says demotion after 'non-event' safety report issue 'humiliating'
Summary
Declan McCabe, an Aer Lingus pilot, is contesting statutory complaints brought by the airline under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, and the Payment of Wages Act 1997 at the Workplace Relations Commission. The tribunal heard that Mr McCabe was demoted from command responsibility following a disciplinary finding that he failed to file a timely air safety report regarding an incident on 8 June 2023. On that date, the aircraft he was flying in command from Munich initially failed to pick up a radio navigation beacon at Dublin Airport, though it landed safely after he adjusted its heading. Mr McCabe described the incident as a "non-event" and alleged his demotion was penalisation linked to a 2011 dispute where he reported fatigue. He stated the process was "humiliating" and claimed he filed the report within half an hour of being directed to do so, noting he had delayed due to fear of retribution. Aer Lingus's barrister argued Mr McCabe did not accept his errors. Adjudication officer John Harraghy adjourned proceedings, with hearings set to continue next week, starting with cross-examination of the complainant.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Aer Lingus pilot says demotion after 'non-event' safety report issue 'humiliating'. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- July 2011 Incident
- 8 June Incident
- New Year's Day 2024 Other
- 2025-12-04 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Outcome: Adjudication officer John Harraghy adjourned proceedings and the hearings are set to continue next week, starting with Mr Mallon's cross-examination of the complainant. 'A non-event' The 8 June flight, with 156 passengers and crew aboard, landed safely after Mr McCabe, flying in command of the aircraft, adjusted its heading and succeeded in locking onto the signal, the complainant told the tribuna
Applicant
Outcome: Adjudication officer John Harraghy adjourned proceedings and the hearings are set to continue next week, starting with Mr Mallon's cross-examination of the complainant. 'A non-event' The 8 June flight, with 156 passengers and crew aboard, landed safely after Mr McCabe, flying in command of the aircraft, adjusted its heading and succeeded in locking onto the signal, the complainant told the tribuna
Applicant
Outcome: Adjudication officer John Harraghy adjourned proceedings and the hearings are set to continue next week, starting with Mr Mallon's cross-examination of the complainant. 'A non-event' The 8 June flight, with 156 passengers and crew aboard, landed safely after Mr McCabe, flying in command of the aircraft, adjusted its heading and succeeded in locking onto the signal, the complainant told the tribuna
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