Originally published at: Canadian Man Charged With Hijacking Aircraft - AVweb
A Canadian man has been charged with hijacking after allegedly stealing a Cessna 172 and flying it over Vancouver International Airport.
This is a perfect example of how the actions of one person can ruin it for thousands of others. It wouldn’t surprise me if incidents like this lead to increased scrutiny on general aviation, bringing more restrictions to small GA airports, many of which are already fenced, and opening the door to TSA-like oversight. It’s incredibly sad to see how the selfish behavior of a few can impact an entire community.
Interesting, I wonder how the authorities arrived at highjacking rather than theft? The two previous incidents that immediately come to my mind are the SkyWest pilot who stole the plane in Utah (https://www.fox13now.com/2012/11/07/security-video-shows-skywest-jet-hitting-st-george-airport) and the Horizon baggage handler who stole the plan at SeaTac (Report Shows How A Baggage Handler Stole A Horizon Q400 - AVweb). If my memory serves me correctly, neither of them were charged with highjacking.
Concern for the planet, eh? How much carbon did this so-called climate activist cause to be added to the atmosphere by delaying flights for 40-odd minutes and having F-15s scrambled?
Just more proof of the idiocy of these loonies.
Read somewhere that he was allegedly charged with Terrorism, which is more appropriate.
Really? Appropriate? In what way did this act constitute Terror. I agree with Dewey that at most this guy should be charged with theft, assault (if the knife story is true), and some kind of obstruction…terror? Terrorist? Come on.
Your comment reflects what Seirra points out, but from a different angle. elevating an action above its real action dilutes the original definition. Blowing up a federal building and killing 175 people is an act of terrorism, same with flying planes into buildings. I’d argue that mass shootings are acts of terrorism (52 dead in Las Vegas and I never heard an argument the gunman was a terrorist when every mass shooting should be considered an act of terrorism).
This idiot did something really stupid and the worse act was planes diverting. the real terror there was hoping the airlines would help passengers get to their destination without a massive delay or people paying extra.
I agree that this “climate activist” hurt, more then helped the cause of awareness of industries impact on the planet. Stunts like gluing hands, throwing paint, and this do nothing but allow ridicule on what is a serious topic and while I wish they’d stop, sadly people be dumb.
theft yes, disruption of civil airspace, absolutely…terror(ism)…not even close.
So, if the car/truck is stopped by bollards/barricade and doesn’t kill anyone then it’s just reckless driving? This zealot (nutter isn’t a professional term) was spouting off over the radio, had posted a manifesto on FB, and was flying over the YVR terminal. Take a peek at the terminal on google earth, have a look at the international concourse (U shape) - there are typically 6-8 or more WB jets parked there. What would be the result of a 172 at 150kias crashing into that area?
I wonder how the authorities arrived at highjacking rather than theft?
It hasn’t been detailed, but I got the impression that the 172 was occupied. Consider if had been a car instead of a plane - the auto theft charge would be ‘upgraded’ to hijacking, .
I fully agree here, I just never saw where the plane was occupied. With that said, that is another “interesting” topic as airport and FBO tarmacs are not the type of place where criiminal element hang out in the shadows waiting to pounce. Either way, I still agree if the plane was occupied that it would be along the lines of robbery at a minimum with a possibility of highjacking.
Both the incidents you reference ended in the death of the perpetrator. I don’t believe dead people are charged with crimes.
So, its terrorism at 175 but if only 174 die its a lesser act? This primate caused tremendous financial damage, not just for airlines and the airport, but for likely thousands of travelers. This is nothing short of terrorism as it terrorized people and businesses. All for some bull that some Allah told him?
We had some clown enter and shut down Hamburg Intl. Airport a while ago. Managed to hold a whole airport hostage for several hours. In that case, it was about child custody and Allah had a say in it, too.
They sent crisis intervention and psychologists, when a sniper would have been the proper signal.
His goal (whatever it may have been) is toast and he likely inflicted long lasting and heavy damage on flying clubs enjoying some leniency and compassion from people tasked with keeping airports safe.
As stated above, making people feel safe includes knee jerk reactions when access is not handled responsibly. Once he was in that airplane, he controlled that whole airport.
My guess this Canadian isn’t going to Oshkosh. What a shame…
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