Working with PASO’s off-site Airworthiness Inspectors is helping CAAV to overcome COVID-19 challenges.
“We have been trialing the OSCA with PASO since November 2019. The situation here and our processes are not the same as in mature aviation systems, like Australia or New Zealand, even though the ICAO standards are the same. Other factors also come into play, like remoteness, economic issues, operator management changes, and even problematic internet connections,” explains Manfred.
“December 2020 was a challenging month! We certified four aircraft including a Cessna 207, a Twin Otter, and Air Vanuatu’s Boeing 737 which is being used for international repatriation and cargo services. In a record two-week time, we also processed and certified their ATR72 after being on the ground for a few months, which is pivotal to Vanuatu’s domestic air connectivity. It was high pressure. We were online conferencing with the operator’s management team to work through the certification process,” says Manfred.
“Through this experience, now the operators have a better understanding of the airworthiness renewal requirements, and equally the PASO Inspectors have a practical understanding of the operating landscape CAAV is working within.”
Ultimately, it’s all about keeping the Island nation’s aircraft safely flying says Manfred.
“In these challenging times, it’s important that we keep our aviation industry afloat. In Vanuatu we have limited modes of transport, so we need to maintain safe air services which are a critical link between our scattered islands and neighbouring countries. To do this we need to deliver a robust regulatory environment that ensures compliance of all our aircraft.”
