Opposition MP Rinesh Sharma has called on the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers to urgently intervene in a growing controversy involving the Pacific Flying School, warning that the futures of more than 50 aviation students are now in jeopardy due to what he claims are unjustified restrictions imposed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF).
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Mr Sharma said recent actions by CAAF, including the alleged rejection of Suncoast overhauled aircraft engines, were implemented without the required technical justification, in breach of international aviation standards.
“If Suncoast overhaul engines are suddenly deemed unacceptable, then CAAF must present the technical directive, airworthiness data, or risk findings that justify this decision,” Mr Sharma said.
“Silence is not an option, Mr Speaker.”
The MP cited growing concerns that CAAF has imposed limitations on the Aviation Academy without carrying out or presenting formal risk assessments, which he argued is contrary to ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) expectations for transparency and reasonableness from regulators.
“These restrictions appear to be without basis, and ICAO requires effective regulators to be transparent and reasonable. There’s been no indication of actual risk provided to justify this.”
He also highlighted the emotional toll the issue is having on students, connecting it to wider concerns raised by the Prime Minister at the recent United Nations summit, where mental health challenges among youth were discussed.
“We can only imagine what the students at the Pacific Flying School are going through. Their careers and futures are being delayed or derailed unnecessarily,” he said.
