A former Air Canada pilot has been charged with operating commercial aircraft without the proper license for approximately 16 years, according to Canadian authorities.

Geoffrey Wall of Barrie, Ontario, is accused of serving as an airline captain between 2009 and 2025 without holding the required license to fly large commercial passenger planes, Peel Regional Police announced. During this period, Wall allegedly operated more than 900 flights on both domestic and international routes.

According to officials, Wall held some valid flight credentials but lacked the specific certification required to serve as a captain of commercial aircraft. The distinction between different types of aviation licenses is critical in commercial aviation, where pilots must hold appropriate ratings for the specific aircraft and roles they perform.

Wall retired from Air Canada last year, before the investigation into his credentials began. The timing of his retirement in relation to the discovery of the alleged license violation remains unclear.

The case highlights potential gaps in aviation credential verification systems, as Wall was allegedly able to operate as a captain for over a decade and a half without proper certification. Air Canada has not yet publicly commented on the matter or explained how the alleged license violation went undetected for such an extended period.

The investigation by Peel Regional Police is ongoing, and formal charges have been filed against Wall in connection with the alleged licensing violations.