A former Air Canada pilot is facing both fines and criminal charges for allegedly flying without a required license. The incident was confirmed in a statement released by Air Canada on Monday, where the airline stated that Transport Canada had imposed a monetary penalty on a former captain for not having an airline transport pilot license (ATPL). This certification is a necessary requirement for captains of large aircraft operated by Canadian airlines.

While Air Canada emphasized that the individual was fully trained and held a valid commercial pilot license during their employment, they also stressed the importance of proper licensing in ensuring safety within the airline industry. The carrier stated that all pilots undergo mandatory recurrent training every six months, including a flight check with a certified Transport Canada check-pilot every 12 months, to validate their flying competency.

Upon discovering that the pilot did not have an ATPL, Air Canada immediately removed them from duty and reported the matter to Transport Canada. The pilot is no longer employed by the airline, and their name has not been released to the public. Due to privacy laws and an active criminal investigation, Air Canada was unable to provide more information about the incident.

It is unclear how much the pilot was fined, as the recent instance of someone flying without proper qualifications and reported by Transport Canada this month incurred a fine of $67,500. There is no way to confirm if this is the same case referred to by Air Canada.

According to ABC News, the pilot has been arrested and charged with fraud. The Peel region police in Ontario have scheduled a news conference on Tuesday to share more details about the incident.

In conclusion, Air Canada takes this matter seriously and is committed to maintaining the highest safety standards within the airline industry. While the incident did not compromise safety due to the mandatory training and flight checks in place, the airline recognizes the importance of proper licensing as an essential layer of safety. The former pilot is facing both fines and criminal charges, and further details will be released by the authorities in the coming days.