Diversion considered over fake pilot stunt

A security camera image shows the wanted man - wearing his pilot's uniform - in the Auckland Airport domestic terminal. Photo / NZ Police

Diversion is being considered for the six men accused of being behind last month's fake pilot stunt at Auckland Airport.

The TV personalities, including TV3's Benjamin Boyce, 33, from the Wanna-Ben show and his crew Bryce Casey, 32, and Andrew Robinson, 26, face charges under the Civil Aviation Act for attempting to breach airport security.

They have been remanded on bail until next month while prosecutors consider whether diversion would be appropriate if they change their plea to guilty, reported Newstalk ZB.

Casey allegedly dressed as a pilot in a rented costume and tried to get into a restricted area at the airport on September 17.

He left after being turned away by airport staff.

After their court appearance last month, the trio stood together outside court to apologise.

Boyce said the pilot hoax was a harmless skit that had escalated.

Casey, identified as the man in the fake pilot uniform at the terminal, said the trio did not mean to breach security or cause any worry.

The penalty for breaching the Civil Aviation Act is 12 months imprisonment or a fine not exceeding $10,000.