The suspension was initially for 10 days, then extended.
The CAA said at the time the concerns related to the maintenance and safety of Sunair aircraft.
Roberts indicated today that the Tauranga-based airline was not happy with how the process turned out.
“It was very protracted and very tough on the business in terms of what was required. It’s still not over entirely.”
He said the law now allowed people to ask for a review of such decisions.
Previously, the only avenue to challenge a certificate’s revocation was through the District Court.
He said the airline’s owner and the chief engineer took action, challenging CAA views on airworthiness and the suspension of an engineer’s licence.
“They suspended his licence because of what they believed were deficiencies.”
Roberts said the CAA would assess Sunair’s views, and he expected the authority’s review panel to deliver a decision before Christmas.
“It could just be that the report vindicates the actions of the CAA.”
He said the grounding “dreadfully” affected the airline’s finances.
Nobody involved acted with malice, but the airline had questions about the process, he said.
“We’ve had to behave [on] the basis that the original findings of the CAA were valid and correct.”
He said the airworthiness concerns largely related to documentation with which the CAA took issue.
“It was July 10 when we were put on the ground.
“The worst thing you can do to an airline is put it on the ground.”
The CAA said it acknowledged Sunair’s suspension and grounding were challenging for the company.
“However, our role is to facilitate the operation of a safe and secure aviation system in New Zealand, and we will not compromise on that.”
It said the pace of any case was determined by how much work the operator had to do to address any identified safety concerns.
That work also had to satisfy the regulator that risks were appropriately managed.
“That is the balance we must strike as the aviation safety regulator.”
The CAA said its certification, licensing and monitoring activities were crucial to helping operators meet safety responsibilities.
“Our role is to ensure that everyone who uses aviation in New Zealand can be confident that safety comes first.
“With that said, CAA is always open to feedback as to how it can improve its processes and engagement with aviation participants.”
The Aviation Industry Association (AIANZ) today also voiced concerns about the Sunair process.
“While safety is paramount, the association has been concerned at the length of time the CAA has taken to work through issues that needed to be addressed,” it said.
“We believe this could have been achieved in a much faster time frame, while still ensuring safety outcomes.”
John Weekes is a business journalist covering aviation and court. He has previously covered consumer affairs, crime, politics and courts.
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