Pacific Flying School has firmly denied allegations from Acting Minister for Civil Aviation Ifereimi Vasu regarding unauthorized engine overhauls, asserting that its practices have long been sanctioned by the regulatory body. Tim Joyce, the school’s Director, emphasized that their partner, Suncoast Aviation, has secured annual approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji. He noted that the engines in question were operated in good faith, following proper procedures.
Joyce further explained that the Civil Aviation Authority began expressing concerns only in April, which triggered the grounding of seven engines. Importantly, he pointed out that no safety issues were raised in previous audits conducted by the authority. The situation escalated significantly following the regulator’s refusal to allow the entry of two training aircraft acquired in September, which has caused substantial delays and incurred additional costs for the school.
The two aircraft currently remain unused in Australia while inspectors carry out what Joyce described as a superficial review, during which essential logbook records were returned incomplete. This bureaucratic delay is impacting over 50 students awaiting multi-engine training, hindering their career prospects in aviation. Joyce has raised serious worries regarding the financial implications, including mounting parking fees and limited logistics for moving the idle aircraft.
Joyce is now calling for an independent investigation into the matter, arguing that the regulator’s actions have led to unwarranted delays without adequate justification. This ongoing dispute underscores a larger narrative about regulatory challenges and aviation safety governance in Fiji, particularly regarding compliance with international standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation maintains its licensing framework aligns with global best practices, ensuring stringent oversight by qualified personnel. Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka has reiterated the government’s dedication to upholding high safety and regulatory standards and has urged all stakeholders to rely on official channels for information, rather than on unverified speculation that could damage the aviation sector’s credibility.
The obstacles currently faced by Pacific Flying School illustrate the critical need for improved communication and oversight within Fiji’s aviation industry. As stakeholders navigate these challenges, there lies an opportunity for ongoing reforms aimed at preserving safety while fostering an environment of trust among trainees and industry participants alike. Improving the current framework could ultimately enhance operational integrity and safety standards across Fiji’s aviation landscape.