FAA investigates Rockies hitting coach Hensley Meulens’ cockpit visit

The Federation Aviation Administration is launching an investigation after a since-deleted video was posted showing Colorado Rockies hitting coach Hensley Meulens inside the flight deck during the team’s charter flight from Denver to Toronto last week.

In the video, Meulens can be seen sitting in one of the pilots’ seats and joking about landing the plane. The caption read, “Had some fun in the cockpit on our flight from Denver to Toronto. Thanks to the captain and the first officer of our United charter that allowed me this great experience.”

United Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration are also investigating the incident, as it is a clear violation of safety and operational policies. The airline stated that the plane was at cruising altitude and autopilot was engaged while Meulens was in the cockpit. The pilots involved have been “withheld” from flying as United conducts its investigation.

Meulens, 56, was hired by the Rockies as their hitting coach in Nov. 2022. He has previously coached for the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants. Before his coaching career, Meulens played for two MLB teams and also played in Japan and South Korea between 1989-2000.

The Rockies have not yet commented on the incident. The team had just finished a six-game homestand before embarking on their trip to Toronto. The video has since been deleted, but the investigation into the matter is ongoing.