Sometimes postings on social media can also have unpleasant consequences. For example, Starlux Airlines CEO Chang Kuo-wei faces a fine for allowing a YouTuber specializing in aviation into the cockpit on April 26, 2023.

On that day, the Taiwanese carrier performed the maiden flight on the Taipei-Los Angeles route. In addition to paying passengers, there were also numerous media representatives on board. Including the YouTuber Sam Chui. He was invited into the cockpit by company boss Chang Kuo-wei to take some pictures and photos. Not on the ground, however, but in flight, which subsequently drew the attention of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

After the first flight, Chui reported extensively on it and shared his reports on social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. However, a photo led to the CAA now asking Starlux Airlines boss Chang Kuo-wei for an explanation and even threatening the manager with a fine. The background is that he is also a licensed airline pilot and was on duty as a pilot himself during the first flight. In concrete terms, this means that the authority's procedure relates to his function as captain.

The photo in question shows the Starlux boss and the YouTuber in the cockpit. The managing director of the airline sits in the pilot's chair and the "invited person" in that of the first officer. Since the recording was made during the flight and the CAA discovered the photo on social media, the incident is now being investigated. The captain responsible, i.e. Chang Kuo-wei, is now facing consequences in the form of a fine. Temporary suspension of his license could also be imposed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Republic of China.

Local media reports, among other things, that the matter violated Article 194 of the Air Operations Regulations. This states, among other things: "With the exception of the operator's authorized personnel and flight handlers, no persons may be admitted into the flight crew compartment of an aircraft". The captain and airline boss are now threatened with a fine equivalent to USD 1.953 and the airline with a warning. However, it is unclear whether similar sanctions have been imposed in the past. Then Starlux would have to pay an additional $20.000 fine and the captain runs the risk of having his license suspended, at least temporarily. The YouTuber, on the other hand, does not face any consequences because, according to the civil aviation authority, he has not made any dangerous intervention in flight safety. Neither criminal charges nor fines would be necessary.