MBOMBELA – As of July 14 the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has suspended all air operating certificates (AOC) of Working on Fire for failure to comply with the legislative requirements.
Following a recent spate of incidents and accidents involving aircraft operated by FFA Aviation, the SACAA had intensified its oversight and audit obligations to determine whether aviation safety was being compromised in any way by this operator and maintenance organisation. The SACAA’s intensified audits were conducted parallel to the ongoing accident investigations, which are being conducted by the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Division under the banner of the department of transport.
As the regulator of civil aviation safety and security, the SACAA conducts annual safety audits on, among others, all AOC holders. Similarly to all audit processes, a sample of the operations is audited and where there is a need, ad-hoc or follow-up inspections are also conducted to ensure that all areas of concern are addressed appropriately.
Recent surveillance conducted on FFA Aviation yielded various findings, which according to the SACAA, were serious in nature.
Notwithstanding, in terms of the regulations, the operator is entitled to appeal the suspension decision by applying to the director of Civil Aviation. However, in the meantime, the decision remains enforceable.
Ms Naranda Leeuwner, spokesman for FFA Aviation confirmed all these facts. On Wednesday the organisation’s management and Civil Aviation had gathered to try and find a solution. “It was a positive meeting and our management has decided to work closely with SACAA. FFA is subject to Civil Aviation’s safety and security standards and we are committed work within their frameworks. The CAA has offered us their help and assistance in order to get our planes fully operational again. We are also in close contact with our clients to put short-term measures in place to ensure that that contractual obligations are met to ensure minimal disruption. Out of respect for our fallen pilots and their relatives, and due to the investigations on the recent accidents still pending, we urge people not to speculate over these tragic events.”
