Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, voiced serious concerns in Parliament about an aviation training provider, criticizing its inability to meet international standards and questioning the wisdom of sending Fiji’s students there. He highlighted that the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) cannot validate certificates from this institution due to its failure to comply with essential global requirements.
Gavoka underscored the necessity for aviation training to align with CAAF’s established accreditations, asserting that any pilot qualification without CAAF validation is essentially meaningless. He detailed how CAAF has made numerous efforts to assist the training provider in adhering to required standards, yet the institution continues to show non-compliance. This raises a significant question for Parliament: Should this provider be allowed to continue training pilots if it does not meet CAAF’s standards?
While Gavoka acknowledged the emotional toll on aspiring pilots caught in this situation, he reiterated that aviation safety cannot be compromised. “These are children with dreams to fly… But in aviation, it has to be 100%. You cannot say, ‘I forgot to do something here,’” he remarked, mentioning that certain aircraft and licenses have been grounded as a direct outcome.
His comments resonate with earlier discussions in Parliament around aviation safety concerns and regulatory challenges facing Fiji’s airline industry. The Deputy Prime Minister has faced scrutiny regarding the integrity of the aviation licensing system, prompting calls from industry stakeholders for more stringent regulatory practices. He has previously assured that Fiji’s licensing framework aligns with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, reinforcing trust in the processes managed by qualified personnel.
This situation marks a pivotal moment for Fiji’s aviation sector. The government’s dedication to maintaining international standards and ensuring safety is a positive indicator for the future. Furthermore, Fiji is currently reviewing its aviation laws to modernize regulations and enhance the integrity of its training systems.
By advocating for strict compliance and integrity in training, Gavoka is sending a strong message about the critical importance of aviation safety. This proactive approach not only aims to maintain confidence among future pilots but also reassures the public about the safety of air travel in Fiji, promising a more secure operational environment ahead.