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A former Air Canada pilot and captain is facing fraud charges after it was revealed he operated hundreds of flights over 17 years without holding the proper license, authorities announced Tuesday.
Geoffrey Wall, 59, from Barrie, Ontario, was arrested on June 1 following an investigation dubbed “Project Icarus,” according to CBC News. Wall began his career with Air Canada in 1998 but never obtained the required airline transport pilot license (ATPL) when he was promoted to captain in 2009, Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich explained during a press briefing.
The ATPL demands successful completion of several written exams. Instead, Wall allegedly used forged licenses from both Air Canada and Transport Canada, the federal transportation department. He also reportedly submitted a false police report in an attempt to hide the deception.
Milinovich likened the situation to “a doctor licensed to practice family medicine performing brain surgery,” highlighting the severity of the misconduct.
Air Canada stated that Wall was immediately taken off duty once the fraud came to light. Officials assured the public that passengers were never in danger, noting Wall held a valid commercial pilot license and was fully trained, though lacking the specific ATPL credential.
Wall reportedly piloted various aircraft on approximately 900 domestic and international flights. The investigation began after Transport Canada spotted irregularities in his license records during a routine review, prompting Peel Regional Police to launch a criminal inquiry. Charges against Wall include fraud, document forgery, and possession of counterfeit marks.
Wall is scheduled to appear in court on June 29.