A close friend of flydubai captain Aristos Sokratous has described the Cypriot aviator as a “calm professional” who he says would not have panicked in a crisis.
Andreas Christodolou, 43, said that all those in the pilot’s home town of Limassol have been devastated by Saturday’s crash, which claimed the lives of all onboard, including 55 passengers and seven crew.
He also said that friends and relatives do not believe Sokratous could have caused the tragedy.
Russian investigators say they are probing whether either human error, the weather or a fault in the aircraft could have led to the accident.
Flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith has said it would have been the pilots’ decision to land, but urged against any speculation as to the cause before the investigation is complete.
Speaking by phone from Cyprus, Christodolou told 7DAYS that his family had been saddened by the suggestion that pilot error could be a factor.
“Everyone who knows him says he is a very calm, professional guy, the way he used to speak to people, the way he was at work,” Christodolou said, adding that he had known Sokratous since they were young men and had travelled Europe on their motorbikes.
“He was good at everything he did.
“I don’t believe it could have been the pilots’ fault – no one does here.
23/03/16 Rory Reynolds/7 Days
