Whanganui pilot academy investigation: CAA lifts suspension of Part 141 certification

The academy's fleet has been grounded since May 23. Photo / NZME

Whanganui’s international pilot academy can begin flight training again, with the suspension of its Part 141 certificate lifted by the Civil Aviation Authority.

The NZ Commercial Pilot Academy’s (NZICPA) fleet has been grounded since May 23 after anonymously reported safety concerns. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) suspended its Part 141 certificate in mid-June.

NZICPA director Craig Compain said the reinstatement reflected significant effort and dedication to addressing the CAA’s concerns.

He said the CAA noted in a letter that the academy had provided assurances of safety and compliance, with its board and senior team enacting a recovery plan and implementing appropriate systems and procedures across the organisation.

“NZICPA will continue to work very closely with the CAA to ensure that all implemented changes provide ongoing assurance of safe and effective training practices.

“Students will be contacted over the next two weeks with information on when they can expect to resume their training.”

The academy has 145 enrolments, with a fleet of 29 aircraft.

Trainee pilot Shahad Parammal told the Chronicle a lot of hard work had gone into sorting out the safety issues and getting the suspension lifted.

“Students are really happy,” he said.

“After this outcome, it’s on track to be the best pilot academy in the country.”

Compain said the academy acknowledged the trust and commitment students had shown over the past seven weeks.

“We will be working very hard to increase our capacity to train as it is safe to do so.”

A joint statement from the Whanganui District Council and NZICPA said five aircraft had received certificates of airworthiness from the CAA and had returned to service.

“However, operations at the academy remain restricted.

“Leased aircraft are being sourced to increase the training capacity at the academy in the short term.”

The Chronicle reported yesterday that the number of fulltime roles at the academy had been reduced from 20 to 10, and planes that were surplus to requirements could be sold to offer short-term financial support.

At the time, Compain said the NZICPA was aiming for a gradual and controlled expansion of fleet and student capacity, “ensuring growth occurs at a cautious and sustainable pace”.

Mike Tweed is a multimedia journalist at the Whanganui Chronicle. Since starting in March 2020, he has dabbled in everything from sport to music. At present, his focus is local government, primarily the Whanganui District Council.