It was a sky-high scam.
A co-pilot allegedly forged certificates to qualify himself for a captain position with a Lithuanian airline — and helmed flights carrying hundreds of passengers throughout Europe.
The faux flyer, whose identity was not disclosed, served as a captain for Lithuanian airline Avion Express for an unspecified period of time. He apparently lacked the necessary qualifications and had only ever worked as a co-pilot with Garuda Indonesia, German outlet Aero Telegraph reported .
Avion Express, a “wet-lease” company that specializes in providing aircraft and full crews to other airlines, confirmed that it employed the pilot, who has since been removed.
A pilot with Avion Express allegedly used fake certificates to secure his position. SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty

New York Post

The Travel
Ars Technica Science
Reuters US Domestic
Associated Press US News