“Really sorry”: Flight diverted due to lack of pilot qualifications

An Alaska Airlines flight between San Francisco and Jackson Hole was diverted to another airport because the pilot lacked qualifications, insisting that passengers be briefed.

“Hey, I'm sorry, but since I'm not qualified to land in Jackson Hole, we'll have to divert to Salt Lake City, Utah. We will inform you about the next steps,” he told passengers, according to BFM TV on Tuesday.

On Thursday, an American Airlines flight operated by its regional partner SkyWest in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, was diverted to Salt Lake City because the pilot did not have the necessary qualifications for the destination airport.

The hard-landed plane remained on the tarmac for more than an hour before another pilot took over to continue the flight to Jackson Hole Airport, according to a passenger who posted the story on the social network Reddit.

Located at about 2000 meters above sea level, landing at Jackson Hole Airport is difficult, especially with the surrounding mountains and weather conditions that are often complex, requiring specific training for pilots.

“SkyWest Airlines Flight 3491, operating as Alaska Airlines from San Francisco to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, made a short landing in Salt Lake City to correct a crew-related administrative error,” management responded from SkyWest.

“All participating pilots are eligible to fly and land the aircraft; The flight was diverted from Jackson Hole due to an internal administrative error and out of an abundance of caution,” the airline said in a statement, BFM TV reported.