Funny how people take religious leaders seriously. Consider this, a vicar may claim that he/she is able to speak directly to God and his/her congregation will not think this a sign of madness. In fact many people turn to their vicar in times of distress for comfort. On the other hand if an airline pilot claims to want to talk to God while flying a large passenger airliner the reaction is slightly different.
Report
02:32 pm – Wednesday
Air Canada’s second pilot shows madness during flight: fear on board
Shannon, Ireland – The airplane lands in emergency; the man admitted in psychiatric hospital (WAPA) – Great panic for 146 passengers of an Air Canada’s flight while made the route Toronto-London: the second pilot has suddenly showed signs of being unbalanced; it has been necessary to immobilize him with the help of crew members, a passenger and a doctor that, luckily, was on board.
The Capt. has then opted for an emergency landing in Shannon, Ireland, where for the ex-military pilot has been disposed the admission in a psychiatric hospital. The passengers, after a short stay in hotel, have been re-protected on another flight and have reached, with seven hours late, the origin destination.
"The Cap. and the crew of the flight AC-848 have followed the standard procedures in the light of the co-pilot’s problem. The Cap. has chosen to pilot the flight to Shannon, where has landed without problem, in any moment the safety has been at risk": this is the press release by the Canadian airline, commenting the event. (Avionews)
(006) 080130143240-1085213 (World Aeronautical Press Agency – 2008-01-30 02:32 pm)
and…
OTTAWA — Air Canada has launched an informal investigation in the
emergency diversion of a London-bound flight after the co-pilot fell
ill over the Atlantic Ocean, with one passenger saying the pilot was
having a breakdown and calling for God. Sean Finucane said the co-pilot
was bound by restraints and carried into the cabin. "He was very, very
distraught. He was yelling loudly," he told CBC.
"His voice was clear, he didn’t sound like he was drunk or anything,
but he was swearing and asking for God," he said in an interview from
England. "He specifically said he wants to talk to God."
Image what would happen if a vicar knew how to fly a passenger plane and took his/her congregation on a flight from Ottawa in Canada to London and mid-flight decided to talk to God. Would he/she be dragged screaming from the cockpit as a madman? Hmmm….
What next a surgeon talking like Gordon Ramsey to his team during open heart surgery?
Gordon Ramsey – Hells Surgery (Channel 4 9PM Wednesday)
"Get that fucking heart out of that fucking chest you fucking wanker!", "Yes doctor". "And you, you fucking National Health patient, fucking wake up, bollocking twat!".