Continental Airlines Pilot Dies During Flight

The captain of Continental Airlines flight 61 died of natural causes while flying from Brussels to New York.

Two co-pilots took control of the airplane and steered it to an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport around 9 AM (PST).

All 247 passengers on the Boeing 777 were safe and settled on the ground said Federal Aviation Authority spokeswoman Arlene Salac.

The deceased captain was 61-years old and had more than 20 years of experience and service with Continental Airlines.

The truley disturbing fact is that Continental would let a 61-year-old man who was on the brink of death fly a plane. It is clear that it is the airline, not the pilot who is at fault in this case - he was simply performing his job.

Perhaps Continental should monitor the health of their pilots more closely -- next time they might not be lucky enough to avoid disaster.