FAA Investigates Hensley Meulens’ Unauthorized Use of Flight Deck During Colorado Rockies Chartered Flight: Safety and Operational Policies under Threat

The Federal Aviation Administration is launching an investigation into a video that has since been deleted, showing Hensley Meulens, hitting coach for the Colorado Rockies, sitting in one of the pilots’ seats during the team’s charter flight from Denver to Toronto. The video was shared by Meulens on Instagram and showed him joking about landing the plane while inside the flight deck, which is a violation of company policy and FAA regulations.

United Airlines and the FAA are investigating how Meulens gained access to the cockpit of the 757 at cruising altitude. This incident has raised concerns over safety and operational policies, as Meulens did not have proper authorization or training to operate as a pilot.

The pilots have been suspended from flying pending the outcome of the investigation into this incident. Meulens, 56, was hired by the Rockies in 2022 as their hitting coach. Prior to this role, he had coached for the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants. He also played for two MLB teams and in Japan and Korea between 1989-2000.

United Airlines released a statement expressing deep concern over the video, calling it a clear violation of their safety and operational policies. They emphasized that Meulens did not have proper authorization or training to operate as a pilot and that his actions were extremely reckless and dangerous.