'Biggles of Birmingham' pilot Pablo Mason loses bid to keep job

Mar 20 2009 by Edward Chadwick, Birmingham Mail

AN “ECCENTRIC” pilot who was fired after he let ex-Blues star Robbie Savage into the cockpit of his jet has failed is a bid to win his job back.

Self-styled “Biggles of Birmingham” Pablo Mason was sacked for gross misconduct after he bent the rules to let the midfielder on to the flight deck.

The Gulf War hero was already on final warnings for what his bosses described as a lack of professionalism at the time of the incident in 2007.

An employment tribunal panel in Birmingham yesterday kicked out his claim for unfair dismissal from Thomas Cook.

Following the ruling, the 58-year-old from Leamington said he was disappointed but had not expected to win.

“It’s been a day that has been a long time coming,” said Capt Mason. “There’s always disappointment and a bit of heartbreak, flying is my life.

“I can’t fly. I can’t not be a pilot. I feel totally privileged to have been regarded by many people in the Midlands as a Biggles of Birmingham.

“Unfortunately a few minutes ago my wings were clipped and I think I will walk the rest of the way.”