Social media stunts by pilots raise safety concerns

A growing trend among airline pilots sharing photos and videos from the cockpit on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok is raising safety concerns. According to global pilot associations and aviation watchdogs, such activities might endanger passengers by distracting pilots during flight operations.

The International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations (IFALPA), representing over 148,000 pilots globally, has identified mobile phones as a "significant source of distraction" that can compromise safety. In one incident, a pilot's camera became lodged against the side stick during seat adjustment, causing a rapid descent and passenger injuries. Another case involved thrust levers jammed by a filming device, preventing engine power control.

Joji Waites, Flight Safety Director at BALPA, acknowledged that most pilots act responsibly but noted that the popularity of posting content poses real risks: “We recognize the vast majority of pilots behave in a professional and responsible manner... However, the aviation industry is not immune to the popularity of posting social media content.”