February 7, 2012
SYDNEY (AFP) - An Australian pilot is suing Virgin Australia after reportedly claiming he hurt his back carrying a heavy flight bag full of charts which he argues could have been left on the plane or stored on an iPad.
The Queensland Supreme Court confirmed David Linton Kloster had lodged a claim against the low cost carrier in early January.
A report in Sydney's Daily Telegraph said that Kloster, 57, was claiming more than Aus$1 million (US$1.07 million) in lost earnings and expenses after injuring his back lifting an 18 kilogram (40 pound) flight bag in 2009.
"The defendant (Virgin Australia) exposed the plaintiff (Mr Kloster) to a risk of injury which could have been avoided by the exercise of reasonable care," the tabloid cited a statement lodged with the court as saying.
"(Virgin Australia) failed to have in place a system of work whereby charts and rules could have been left on board its aircraft or kept electronically on an iPad."
The report said that Kloster, a first officer, was claiming Aus$817,546 in future economic losses, as well as medical and other expenses.
Virgin Australia spokeswoman Emma Copeman said the airline was yet to receive notification of legal action in the matter.
"However, Virgin Australia takes its obligations with respect to protecting the health and safety of those involved in its operations very seriously," she said.
"Virgin Australia is committed to creating a workplace that is free from accident and injury by diligently promoting healthy and safe management and work practices and by extensive and ongoing training of our people."
