Whanganui flight school’s planes grounded by CAA for ‘safety reasons’

A plane operated by NZICPA lands at Whanganui Airport. Photo / Bevan Conley

• A Whanganui pilot academy’s planes have been grounded for ‘safety reasons’ by the Civil Aviation Authority.
• The academy, owned by Whanganui District Council, provides training for international and domestic students.
• The CAA is reviewing the concerns with the academy to determine the next steps.

A Whanganui pilot academy has been grounded for “safety reasons” following “aviation-related” concerns from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy operates out of Whanganui Airport and provides “aviation education training and assessments to the highest industry standards”, according its website.

“The CAA has made the decision to ground aircraft operated by the NZICPA for safety reasons while we address these concerns,” says a CAA spokesperson.

NZICPA offers a pilot cadet programme for Indian airline IndiGo as well as catering for international and domestic students.

The academy is owned by Whanganui District Council under its Whanganui District Council Holdings company. Last year the Herald reported that it would soon have 10 more second-hand planes at its disposal, coming with a price tag of $2.78 million.

Just which aircraft are at the centre of the grounding is not yet clear.

“We are working with NZICPA to review and respond to the concerns and allegations, which will help inform our next steps. At this time, we are unable to provide further comment,” the CAA spokesperson said.

Both NZICPA and Whanganui District Council have been approached for comment.