Delta Counters Crash Pilot ‘Disinformation’

Delta Airlines has issued a statement countering what it says are "false and misleading assertions" about the experience and past performance of the pilots of the Endeavor Air CRJ 900 that crashed in Toronto on Feb. 17. Social media and YouTube has exploded with commentary and analysis, some of it centering on the fact that the pilot flying is a 26-year-old woman who graduated from the degree aviation program at the University of North Dakota two years ago. Some of the commentary has claimed that the pilot had only been flying for Endeavor for six weeks but she has been on the line since April of 2024 and "her flight experience exceeded the minimum" FAA requirements. Delta's full statement is copied below.

The commentary has also swirled around the pilot-in-command with some of it claiming he couldn't cut it at Delta and that he'd failed at training. "Both crew members are qualified and FAA certified for their positions," the airline said.The airline hasn't named the pilots but they are being identified in some of the social media content. Meanwhile the wreckage of the RJ has been removed from Runway 23 at Pearson Airport and schedules are returning to normal after the RJ's right main gear collapsed on landing on a blustery day in Toronto and ended up inverted on the pavement. There were no fatalities and all the injured have been released from hospital.

Meanwhile, the Ninety-Nines, the international organization of female pilots founded by Amelia Earhart more than 90 years ago, has also reacted to the controversy stressing women pilots must pass the same tests as men. "Airline pilots are selected based on skill, experience, and professionalism—not gender," the group said in a statement. "The suggestion that a pilot’s gender played a role in an aviation incident undermines the dedication and expertise of all aviators."

The full Delta statement is below followed by the statement from the Ninety-Nines:

Delta Statement

Endeavor Flight 4819: Information about Endeavor Air 4819 flight crew

Thursday, Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m. EST

Endeavor Air and Delta are correcting disinformation in social media containing false and misleading assertions about the flight crew of Endeavor Air 4819.  

- Captain: Mesaba Airlines, a progenitor company of Endeavor Air, hired the captain in October 2007. He has served both as an active duty Captain and in pilot training and flight safety capacities. Assertions that he failed training events are false. Assertions that he failed to flow into a pilot position at Delta Air Lines due to training failures are also false.

- First Officer: Hired in January 2024 by Endeavor Air and completed training in April. She has been flying for Endeavor since that time. Her flight experience exceeded the minimum requirements set by U.S. Federal regulations. Assertions that she failed training events are false.

Both crew members are qualified and FAA certified for their positions. 

Ninety-Nines Statement

The Ninety-Nines Reaffirm Airline Pilot Qualifications Amid Social Media Misinformation

Oklahoma City, OK — Feb.,22, 2025 — In light of recent discussions surrounding a commercial airline accident in Toronto, The Ninety-Nines, the International Organization of Women Pilots, would like to reaffirm the professionalism, experience, and skill required of all airline pilots—regardless of gender.  

Women have been making significant contributions to aviation for over a century. From Amelia Earhart, our first president, to today’s airline captains, women pilots have played a crucial role in advancing aviation safety, technology, and leadership. Throughout aviation history, women pilots have held aviation records for speed, endurance, and altitude. They flew mail and passengers across the country, acted as test pilots, and sold airplanes for major manufacturers. One of the most exciting days in aviation history was in 1936, when about 20 planes took off in the famous Bendix Race. Five women pilots competed against the best men pilots in the country—Louise Thaden and Blanche Noyes crossed the finish line in first place, claiming victory. Second place was also won by women pilots, as was the fifth-place team.  

During World War II, women pilots served with distinction in multiple countries. In the United States, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) flew military aircraft, ferrying planes, towing targets, and testing new aircraft. In Britain, the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) employed women to ferry military aircraft such as the iconic Spitfire and bombers between factories and front-line airfields, often flying multiple aircraft types with little advanced training. In the Soviet Union, female pilots flew combat missions, including the famous "Night Witches," who conducted bombing raids against German forces. These women proved that skill and determination—not gender—define a pilot’s capability.  

To be hired by a major airline in the United States and Canada, pilots—regardless of gender—must meet stringent qualifications, including a minimum of 1,500 flight hours, often more during competitive hiring. They must obtain an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, the highest FAA or Transport Canada-issued license, and complete extensive simulator and recurrent training in emergency procedures and airline operations. Many pilots gain experience through military service, corporate aviation, or regional airline operations before joining a major carrier.  

Becoming an airline pilot requires rigorous testing and evaluation. Pilots must pass at least five FAA (or TC) checkrides, including Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Multi-Engine Rating, and Airline Transport Pilot (ATP). Many pilots undergo additional checkrides for type ratings, flight instructor certifications, or military qualifications. For those starting their airline careers, commuter (regional) airlines require at least 1,500 flight hours, though pilots who graduate from an accredited aviation university may qualify with 1,000–1,250 hours under FAA regulations. This structured career path ensures that airline pilots accumulate substantial experience before advancing to major carriers, where they often log several thousand additional flight hours.  

Airline pilots are selected based on skill, experience, and professionalism—not gender. The suggestion that a pilot’s gender played a role in an aviation incident undermines the dedication and expertise of all aviators. Aviation is one of the safest forms of transportation due to continuous improvements in training, technology, and operational standards. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives do not determine who becomes an airline pilot—every pilot must meet the same rigorous training, testing, and experience requirements, including FAA or TC certifications, extensive flight hours, and recurrent training, to ensure they are fully qualified to operate commercial aircraft safely and professionally. The Ninety-Nines stand by all professional pilots who uphold these standards daily. We encourage the public to support fact-based discussions on aviation safety rather than unfounded speculation.