# Fired United Pilot Speaks Out Over Viral Cockpit Incident

_May 24 12:09_

Tags: United Airlines, FSAP, Colorado, Denver, airline, loyalty program, safety & operations, industry news

A former United Airlines first officer shares his perspective on the viral incident where a sports coach sat in the captain's seat, leading to both pilots' termination and a whistleblower hearing

## Summary

Following the termination of two United Airlines pilots after a Colorado Rockies charter flight in 2024, a whistleblower hearing has renewed interest in the incident. The captain posted a video of herself in the captain's seat while inflight, with a sports coach seated there. The first officer, now speaking out, explains that the captain and lead flight attendant had agreed to leave the flight deck door open for the charter. He notes that while he questioned the decision, the captain's 25 years of experience and the lead FA's confirmation that this was standard for charters led him to accept it. The coach sat in the seat without permission while the captain was in the bathroom. The incident highlights operational nuances for airline charters and cockpit access policies

Sources add:
• One Mile at a Time: Awful: United Airlines Captain Fired For Reporting Charter Flight Safety Issue? A United Airlines captain was using the bathroom on a charter flight, and while she was in there, someone entered the cockpit and sat in…

## Why it matters

Affects United Airlines loyalty members and route planners.

## What each source adds

- **One Mile at a Time**: Awful: United Airlines Captain Fired For Reporting Charter Flight Safety Issue? A United Airlines captain was using the bathroom on a charter flight, and while she was in there, someone entered the cockpit and sat in…

## Sources cited

- [One Mile at a Time](https://onemileatatime.com/news/fired-united-airlines-pilot-speaks-out-viral-cockpit-incident) — I Feel Bad: Fired United Airlines Pilot Speaks Out Over Viral Cockpit Incident
- [One Mile at a Time](https://onemileatatime.com/news/united-airlines-captain-fired-reporting-charter-flight-safety-issue) — Awful: United Airlines Captain Fired For Reporting Charter Flight Safety Issue?

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