Iron Maiden rock legend flies stranded XL passengers home
Monday, 15 September 2008
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Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson stepped in to fly XL passengers stranded abroad back to the UK.
The heavy metal singer, who is a qualified Boeing 757 pilot, captained a specially-chartered Monarch Airlines flight from Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on Saturday morning and also flew around 200 passengers home from the Greek island of Kos that night, a spokesman for Astraeus, the airline he works for, said.
The spokesman said that Dickinson has been employed as a full-time member of staff at Astraeus for the past seven years and regularly pilots planes to Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
He said: "The roster meant that Bruce was on holiday when this was going on. After XL went bump it just so happened that Bruce, being on holiday, was available and other cabin crew were brought in as well."
Marc Cryer, a passenger on the flight from Sharm El Sheikh, said he knew the musician was a pilot but was still surprised to see him. He said: "I think I was about the only person on the plane that recognised him."
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How was I being arrogant Michael? Hmmmm, puzzled by that one.... Also can't see why you would get upset about it.
Posted by Barry | 17.09.08, 13:16 GMT
He did it when he didn't have too, also he was on holiday and still helped. Well done for coming across as arrogant Barry.
Posted by Michael | 17.09.08, 10:51 GMT
I have to disagree with you there Roy. I used to be one of the biggest Maiden fans about in the late 80's early 90's. Eventually got to see them in Dublin December 03. Worst gig I've ever been to!!! Haven't been able to listen to them since!
Posted by Barry | 17.09.08, 09:09 GMT
right on bruce,ive been a fan of your music since the very early 80's and just saw your seattle concert this summer,but it is so cool to see you forget about all that and do something this good and helping all those people in need,yf fan from 80's
Posted by kevin j jallen | 16.09.08, 23:39 GMT
Bruce Dickinson is just about the most talented frontman ever!
Posted by roy | 16.09.08, 19:44 GMT
Is he not "employed as a full-time member of staff" anyway?
Whats the big deal?
Posted by Emma | 16.09.08, 01:02 GMT
Up the Irons,Good show,Bruce for PM.
Posted by Myles"The Trooper"Grubb | 15.09.08, 23:50 GMT
Bruce is what I call 'a gentleman' - flying people home out of the kindess of his own heart - a selfless act - what more can I say?
Posted by Jackie | 15.09.08, 23:38 GMT
See another person helping out their fellow man...
If more people did that the world would be an awesome place..
We can learn alot from this.....
Posted by Gidget922 | 15.09.08, 22:36 GMT
very intresting. I love Bruce's solo stuff. I have two of his cd's I think. don't even remember. shari
Posted by shari | 15.09.08, 21:26 GMT
A pilot flys people back from their holidays? Imagine that!!!
Posted by Barry | 15.09.08, 16:39 GMT