In recent weeks, claims questioning the qualifications of Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji senior officials sparked conversation in the civil aviation industry that resulted in the Government and CAAF addressing the rumours head-on.
The claims scrutinised by CAAF’s personnel licensing (PEL) department could, according to the Government, have had an impact on the country’s aviation industry if the record were not set straight.
CAAF defends its operations
Responding to comments from this newspaper, CAAF CEO Theresa Levestam said the online claims were not correct, especially those targeting their PEL manager, Uluitoga Katia.
“The role of the manager PEL is not to personally flight-test licence applicants, but to oversee the personnel licensing office and ensure the processes and standard operating procedures used by CAAF for issuing licences, whether for pilots, air traffic controllers, or aircraft maintenance engineers, are in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) requirements and Fiji’s national regulations (Air Navigation Regulations and Standards Documents),” said Ms Levestam.
“The qualification requirements for this role are that the individual must have held an aviation licence – be it a pilot’s licence, air traffic controller’s licence, or aircraft maintenance engineer’s licence.
“An ATPL is not a requirement.
“It would be impractical, and indeed unprecedented internationally, to expect one individual to simultaneously hold all three licences in order to sign off on licences across these disciplines. ”
She said to suggest otherwise was unrealistic and misleading.
Refuting claims of licensing irregularities
Ms Levestam said there were no such irregularities.
“CAAF maintains a robust system of checks and balances. The actual competency checks for pilots and air traffic controllers are conducted by CAAF-authorised examiners who themselves hold the necessary qualifications and ratings for the specific aircraft type or for the air traffic controller position concerned.
“These checks are impartial, thorough, and consistent with ICAO standards.
“The manager PEL’s role is to ensure the process is compliant, transparent, and accountable.
“Not to personally test each applicant.”
She said this system reflected international best practice and was designed to safeguard the integrity of Fiji’s aviation licences.
“Our internal quality control systems include regular audits, staff training, and oversight mechanisms to ensure licensing decisions are made with integrity and precision.
“Fiji’s licences are accepted the world over and have enabled hundreds of pilots who have passed through our licensing system to work abroad.
“It would have been more constructive for individuals with concerns to approach CAAF directly through normal channels, where we would have been pleased to provide clarification and education on our processes.”
CAAF’s regulation process
“CAAF staff with regulatory responsibilities undergo mandatory ICAO government safety inspector training, along with other internationally recognised programs,” said Ms Levestam.
“Notably, our current manager, personnel licensing Mr Katia, and the personnel licensing inspector are the only two Fijians in history who hold ICAO government safety inspector (personnel licensing) certifications, underscoring both their qualifications and CAAF’s commitment to developing and maintaining world-class aviation oversight.”
She said additionally, CAAF’s processes were subject to continuous oversight through internal audits, ICAO compliance monitoring, and international audits such as the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP).
“Fiji’s effective implementation score from ICAO places us among the stronger performers in the region.
“CAAF’s personnel licensing office operates under a structured framework that includes mandatory qualifications for licensing staff (does not include an ATPL), including prior aviation licence holding, a training program for inspectorate staff covering ICAO standards, internal procedures, and specialty applications, internal quality audits and performance reviews to maintain adherence to licensing protocols and oversight by ICAO of Fiji’s aviation oversight system, including personal licensing.”
Echoing the Government’s response refuting these claims, Ms Levestam labelled them as misinformation about Fiji’s aviation licensing system.
“Fiji’s licensing regime is aligned with ICAO standards and comparable to international best practice.
“Fiji-issued licences are recognised globally, and Fijian licence holders continue to secure foreign conversions, validations and employment in aviation markets worldwide.”
Prioritising safety
“Safety and security are paramount in aviation, and standards evolve over time in response to technological advancements and international oversight developments,” said the CAAF CEO.
“CAAF continues to improve how it partners with industry and the efficiency of our processes. While much progress has been made, we acknowledge that there is always room for growth.
“We have never claimed to be perfect.”
Ms Levestam said although social media may sometimes be used to spread unverified claims, their focus remained on upholding international standards and protecting the travelling public, the aviation industry, and Fiji’s reputation on the global stage.
“The misinformation being circulated has affected staff morale, but it has not deterred the dedicated men and women of CAAF from fulfilling their responsibilities with professionalism and integrity.”
