Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, has expressed significant concerns regarding an aviation training provider in Parliament, stating that it fails to meet international standards and questioning the propriety of sending Fiji’s students there. Gavoka emphasized that the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) is unable to validate certificates from the school due to its non-compliance with mandatory global requirements.
“The training in aviation must adhere to the accreditations established by CAAF,” Gavoka stressed, highlighting the importance of having CAAF validate pilots’ qualifications upon completion of their training. His warning was clear: any certificate issued without CAAF validation is essentially worthless.
Gavoka outlined that CAAF has made several attempts to assist the training provider in conforming to the required standards; however, the institution continues to exhibit breaches. He raised an important question for consideration within Parliament: “Should we continue to allow this trainer to train our pilots if he does not subscribe to CAAF’s standards?”
While Gavoka acknowledged the emotional impact on aspiring pilots trapped in the middle of this issue, he maintained that aviation safety must remain uncompromised. He remarked, “These are children with dreams to fly… But in aviation, it has to be 100%. You cannot say, ‘I forgot to do something here.’” As a direct consequence, some aircraft and licenses have reportedly been grounded.
Gavoka’s remarks echo recent sentiments shared in Parliament concerning aviation safety concerns raised amidst a backdrop of broader regulatory challenges within Fiji’s airline industry. The Deputy Prime Minister and the government have faced scrutiny surrounding the integrity of the aviation licensing system, emphasized by calls for stringent regulatory practices from industry stakeholders. In previous discussions, he reaffirmed that Fiji’s licensing framework aligns with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, reinforcing trust in the licensing processes overseen by qualified officials.
This debate highlights a critical turning point for Fiji’s aviation sector. The government’s commitment to upholding international standards and ensuring the safety of its aviation industry reinforces a positive narrative for the future. Fiji is also in the process of reviewing its aviation laws, aligning them with modern regulations, and boosting the integrity of its aviation training systems.
By emphasizing a rigorous approach to compliance and integrity in training, Gavoka sends a robust message about aviation safety, crucial for maintaining confidence among future pilots and the broader public. The proactive measures and discussions surrounding regulatory improvements promise a safer operational environment for aviation in Fiji.