A former British Airways pilot who was dismissed for his involvement in a drug-fueled scandal is back in the cockpit.
Mike Beaton, who was previously fired for using cocaine off a topless woman between flights, has reportedly convinced the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that he has reformed.
Despite his past, Beaton is now flying for the Bournemouth-based air freight carrier, European Cargo.
Shocking Revelations of Debauchery Before a Flight
Beaton, a married father of one, made headlines in 2023 after boasting about his wild partying and drug use in texts to a stewardess colleague.
The messages revealed that before a flight from Johannesburg to London, he had partied with a group of people in South Africa, including two local men, a female holidaymaker, and a young Spanish woman.
After meeting at a nightclub, the group reportedly went to one of the men’s flats, where cocaine was used.
One of the texts seen by The Sun described the situation in detail: “I’ve lost my shirt somewhere, and one of the local lads produces a plate with a few lines of coke.
So then there’s a debate about whose chest is the best to do a bump off.” Beaton also mentioned how intoxicated he was, saying, “I was so f****d I couldn’t lift my head until 2.”
The pilot went on to describe the night as a drug-fueled orgy, further shocking those who read his messages.
Flight Cancellation and Immediate Dismissal
The nature of Beaton’s actions didn’t go unnoticed. A concerned colleague raised the alarm, and within hours, Beaton was pulled from his role as co-pilot for the return flight from South Africa to the UK.
The flight was canceled, and Beaton was flown back to Heathrow Airport as a passenger.
Upon arrival, he tested positive for drug use and was promptly fired by British Airways.
Despite this shocking behavior, Beaton has now returned to flying after claiming that he has changed.
After convincing the CAA that he is a reformed man, Beaton has reportedly completed four flights with European Cargo.
Controversy Surrounding Beaton’s Return to the Skies
Many are still deeply disturbed by Beaton’s return to the cockpit.
An aviation source who spoke to The Sun described the situation as “disgusting,” expressing disbelief that Beaton was allowed to fly again after such reckless behavior.
“The CAA should have banned him from the flight deck for life,” the source said.
The CAA has strict guidelines on pilots and drug use, stating that a pilot’s medical certification would be suspended if they were found using drugs.
The certification could only be reinstated if the CAA was “completely satisfied” with the pilot’s rehabilitation.
Rare Incidents of Pilots Under the Influence
Despite Beaton’s behavior, incidents of pilots being under the influence of drugs or alcohol in the cockpit are considered extremely rare.
An anonymous British Airways captain spoke out in 2023, expressing the disappointment felt by many of his colleagues.
“We feel hugely let down by this individual,” the captain said, adding that such actions were “beyond rare” in the industry.
After the scandal, British Airways took steps to ensure that any staff members with concerns about their colleagues’ drug use would report it immediately.
The airline urged staff to remain vigilant to ensure the safety of passengers and colleagues alike.
European Cargo has yet to comment on Beaton’s return to flying, leaving many questions unanswered about how such a controversial decision was made.