Jun 19 2009
Continental Pilot Dies During Flight
Early yesterday morning, Continental flight 61, enroute from Brussels, Belgium, landed safely at Newark Liberty International airport in New Jersey even though the pilot died during the flight.
The Boeing 777 landed safely with the two first officers onboard flying the aircraft as required by FAA rules for international flights. Upon landing, the aircraft was met by emergency crews and Continental customer service staff who escorted the passengers from the plane.
With this very unusual situation, officials state that even though the cut off age for working pilots was recently increased from age 60 to 65, every pilot is required to pass a rigorous physical every six months.
