Civil Aviation Minister Viliame Gavoka says he’s acknowledged the concerns raised about the disruption to students at the Pacific Flying School.
In Parliament this week, Opposition MP Rinesh Sharma had called on the Prime Minister and deputy prime ministers to urgently intervene in a growing controversy involving the Pacific Flying School, warning the future of more than 50 aviation students were in jeopardy due to what he claimed were unjustified restrictions imposed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji.
Mr Sharma said recent actions by CAAF, including the alleged rejection of Suncoast-overhauled aircraft engines, were implemented without the required technical justification, thus breaching international aviation standards.”If Suncoast-overhauled engines are suddenly deemed unacceptable, then CAAF must present the technical directive, airworthiness data, or risk findings that justify this decision,” Mr Sharma said.
In response to queries from this newspaper, Mr Gavoka assured the families and stakeholders that the Government’s first duty is aviation safety and Fiji’s international standing.
“That requires independent, evidence-based regulation by the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji,” Mr Gavoka said.
He highlighted three points:
- Standards & approvals. The engine overhaul provider referenced is not an aircraft maintenance operator approved as required by Fiji’s Air Navigation Regulations. CAAF’s audit of the operator identified unresolved safety findings, including the fitment of overhauled engines without prior regulatory approval. In such circumstances, CAAF is obligated to apply risk-based mitigations and, where necessary, limit operations until compliance is demonstrated.
- Due process & transparency. CAAF initiated an audit pathway for the overseas provider and proposed dates to assess its capability. Despite repeated follow-ups, confirmation to proceed with that audit has not been provided. CAAF has briefed stakeholders, responded through official channels, and continues to meet the operator to work through a compliant solution, recognising that some technical matters cannot be aired publicly while reviews are active.
- Student welfare. I empathise with students and families affected. The fastest route back to training is through complete documentation and an acceptable means of compliance submitted by the operator for CAAF’s prompt review. Government has asked CAAF to continue prioritising timely decisions once complete evidence is provided.
He said Fiji’s reputation was strengthened, not weakened, “when our regulator applies ICAO-aligned rules consistently and independently”.
“I respectfully caution against politicising technical decisions or conducting them via social media.
“My office will support any good-faith engagem
