Pacific Flying School has rejected allegations from Acting Minister for Civil Aviation Ifereimi Vasu regarding unauthorized engine overhauls, asserting that they have been approved by the regulator for several years. Director Tim Joyce stated that Suncoast Aviation received yearly approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji, and the engines were operated in good faith.
Joyce noted that concerns from the authority only emerged in April, which led to the grounding of seven engines, although no safety risks were flagged in previous audits. He identified a significant escalation in the conflict when the regulator denied the entrance of two training aircraft that had been acquired in September, causing considerable delays and additional expenses for the school.
The aircraft in question remained idle in Australia as inspectors conducted what Joyce characterized as a cursory review, returning logbooks with significant records missing. This situation has left over 50 students waiting for multi-engine training, severely affecting their potential careers in aviation. Joyce expressed deep concern over the delays, highlighting the financial burdens from parking fees and the limited time window for transporting an aircraft.
He is now advocating for an independent investigation, claiming that the regulator’s actions have resulted in unjust delays without proper justification. This dispute also fits within a broader context of regulatory issues and concerns regarding aviation safety governance in Fiji, which have been highlighted in recent discussions about maintaining alignment with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has maintained that the licensing system is on par with established international practices, with strict oversight from qualified personnel. Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining high safety and regulatory standards while encouraging all stakeholders to rely on official channels for accurate information rather than speculation that may undermine the credibility of the aviation sector.
Continued reforms and improvements in Fiji’s aviation framework are crucial as they aim to ensure that various stakeholders, including trainees, maintain trust in the system while enhancing safety standards across the board. The current challenges faced by Pacific Flying School highlight the ongoing need for clear communication and robust oversight in the aviation industry, paving the way for potential reforms that uphold safety and operational integrity.