British tourists terrified when Virgin Atlantic pilot was forced to turn back because he was still training

A VIRGIN flight to New York had to turn back after the co-pilot revealed that he was still a trainee.

The plane was 40 minutes into its transatlantic journey when the first officer informed his stunned captain that he had yet to complete his final flight test.

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A Virgin flight to New York had to turn back after the co-pilot revealed he was still a trainee

Virgin Atlantic apologized for Monday's error, which it said had been caused by a listing error. — Virgin Atlantic apologized for Monday’s error, which it said had been caused by a listing error.

Angry US-bound passengers were delayed nearly three hours as the Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330 returned to Heathrow, where it waited on the tarmac while frantic staff searched for an experienced replacement.

Virgin Atlantic apologized for Monday’s error, which it said was caused by a listing error.

A source told The Sun: “You could have cut the tension in the cabin with a knife.

“The plane got as far as Ireland and then they found out the first officer was still undergoing training.

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“The skipper had no choice but to go back to Heathrow and find a more experienced crew member.

“It was embarrassing for everyone and the passengers were furious.”

First officers are qualified pilots responsible for maintaining flight safety.

They also help the captain fly the plane and talk to air traffic control.

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However, Monday’s co-pilot from Heathrow, who joined Virgin Atlantic in 2017, needed a “final evaluation flight” with a training captain to comply with Virgin Atlantic policy.

The airline insisted that the plane’s safety was not compromised.

A spokesperson said: “Due to a roster error, flight VS3 from London Heathrow to New York-JFK returned to Heathrow on Monday 2 May shortly after takeoff.

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“The qualified first officer, flying alongside an experienced captain, was replaced by a new pilot to ensure full compliance with Virgin Atlantic’s training protocols, which exceed industry standards.

“We apologize for any inconvenience caused to our customers who arrived two hours and 40 minutes later than scheduled as a result of the crew change.”

A spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority said: “Virgin Atlantic has made us aware of the incident.

“Both pilots were properly licensed and qualified to undertake the flight.”