The suspension was initially for 10 days, then extended.<\/p>\n
The CAA said at the time the concerns related to the maintenance and safety of Sunair aircraft. <\/p>\n
Roberts indicated today that the Tauranga-based airline was not happy with how the process turned out.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was very protracted and very tough on the business in terms of what was required. It\u2019s still not over entirely.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the law now allowed people to ask for a review of such decisions.<\/p>\n
Previously, the only avenue to challenge a certificate\u2019s revocation was through the District Court.<\/p>\n
He said the airline\u2019s owner and the chief engineer took action, challenging CAA views on airworthiness and the suspension of an engineer\u2019s licence. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey suspended his licence because of what they believed were deficiencies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Roberts said the CAA would assess Sunair\u2019s views, and he expected the authority\u2019s review panel to deliver a decision before Christmas.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt could just be that the report vindicates the actions of the CAA.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the grounding \u201cdreadfully\u201d affected the airline\u2019s finances.<\/p>\n
Nobody involved acted with malice, but the airline had questions about the process, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve had to behave [on] the basis that the original findings of the CAA were valid and correct.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the airworthiness concerns largely related to documentation with which the CAA took issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was July 10 when we were put on the ground.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe worst thing you can do to an airline is put it on the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n
The CAA said it acknowledged Sunair\u2019s suspension and grounding were challenging for the company. <\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, our role is to facilitate the operation of a safe and secure aviation system in New Zealand, and we will not compromise on that.\u201d<\/p>\n
It said the pace of any case was determined by how much work the operator had to do to address any identified safety concerns.<\/p>\n
That work also had to satisfy the regulator that risks were appropriately managed.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is the balance we must strike as the aviation safety regulator.\u201d<\/p>\n
The CAA said its certification, licensing and monitoring activities were crucial to helping operators meet safety responsibilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur role is to ensure that everyone who uses aviation in New Zealand can be confident that safety comes first.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith that said, CAA is always open to feedback as to how it can improve its processes and engagement with aviation participants.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Aviation Industry Association (AIANZ) today also voiced concerns about the Sunair process.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile 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,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe this could have been achieved in a much faster time frame, while still ensuring safety outcomes.\u201d<\/p>\n