The Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji’s position remains clear and consistent with the Air Navigation Regulation (ANR) 145C.
This was highlighted by the CAAF chief executive officer Theresa Levestam yesterday.
In Parliament this week, Opposition MP Rinesh Sharma 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 CAAF.
Ms Levestam highlighted the following:
- Maintenance Facility Approval – The maintenance facility in Australia referenced by the operator is not approved by CAAF as required under ANR 145C. While the operator’s exposition lists the facility as a supplier, this listing alone does not constitute CAAF approval for maintenance activities on Fiji-registered aircraft. The exposition approval is not a maintenance facility approval.
- Regulatory Requirement – ANR 145C states no person or organisation may perform the functions of an approved maintenance organisation for air navigation services or aircraft maintenance unless they hold an Approved Maintenance Organisation Certificate granted by CAAF. This is a fundamental safety requirement to ensure all maintenance is conducted to Fiji’s regulatory standards.
- Operator’s Claims – The operator’s letter asserts that the overseas facility is approved under ICAO standards and by a foreign regulator. However, CAAF’s responsibility is to ensure compliance with Fiji’s regulations. Approval by a foreign authority does not automatically confer approval under Fiji’s ANR 145C. CAAF has communicated this to the operator in meetings and correspondence.
- Exposition Listing – An exposition is a document that outlines how an operator intends to meet regulatory standards. Listing a facility in an exposition without holding the necessary CAAF approval or certificate is not compliant with ANR 145C. CAAF cannot accept maintenance performed at a facility that has not been formally approved by the authority.
- Safety and Oversight – CAAF’s actions are guided by its mandate to uphold aviation safety and Fiji’s international obligations. Any maintenance performed outside the approved framework cannot be accepted, and aircraft may be grounded until compliance is demonstrated. This is not a matter of fairness or administrative burden, but of regulatory compliance and public safety.
- Ongoing Engagement – CAAF continues to engage with the operator to facilitate a compliant solution, including offering audit pathways for overseas providers. The Authority remains committed to transparent, evidence-based regulation and timely decision-making once all requirements are met.
She said CAAF’s regulatory position “is that only maintenance facilities approved under ANR 145C may perform maintenance on a Fiji-registered aircraft”.
