FlyDubai Flight 1073 was carrying four pilots on its journey from Dubai to Tel Aviv. After a co-pilot stabbed the captain, two pilots who were seated in the cabin took control and safely landed the Boeing 737 Max 8 jet in Saudi Arabia.
Why were there extra pilots on board?
For the most part, airlines do not intentionally staff shorter flights with a backup flight crew simply as a precaution, because paying two sets of pilots is expensive. However, pilots routinely hitch rides on flights they are not operating — a practice known in the industry as “deadheading” — to position themselves where they are needed next.
In a statement, FlyDubai confirmed that “on-duty FlyDubai crew traveling on the flight” safely landed the plane. Because deadheading pilots are on company assignment, they are technically considered on duty, receive pay and are forbidden to consume alcohol. Wearing a uniform is optional.
John Cox, a retired airline captain and aviation safety consultant, said the extra pilots were most likely being moved to where they needed to be for their next assigned flight. “We move pilots all around the world,” Mr. Cox said.
