CAAP closely monitoring airline violations

MANILA, Philippines – The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is closely watching violations committed by both foreign and domestic airlines as it steps up efforts to convince the US Federal Aviation Administration (US-FAA) to lift a ban preventing Philippine carriers from mounting additional flights to the US.

Records from CAAP’s Flight Operations Safety showed that the regulator is investigating two South Korean airlines for various violations of the Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations (PCAR). The airlines have not been named pending completion of the investigation.

CAAP also penalized two pilots of Air Busan Co. Ltd. for violating operational requirements by failing to adhere to air traffic control clearances under PCAR in October 2012. Each pilot was slapped with a $1,500 penalty.

The decision to enforce regulations was recommended by Flight Operations Department Safety Inspectors Capt. Rizal Ventura and Capt. Alfredo Juliano who said that evidence gathered by their committee is valid and supports the sanctions.

On June 25, CAAP deputy director general John Andrews announced the suspension of two pilots of budget airline Cebu Pacific after the plane they were manning skidded off the runway of the Davao International Airport, resulting in the closure of the international gateway for two days.

Capt. Ruel Oropesa was suspended for 6 months, while his first officer Edwin Perello was suspended for 3 months.

CAAP also asked Cebu Pacific to comply with a corrective action plan to prevent a repeat of the incident. The evaluation must be completed not later than July 31 and findings of any continuing systematic failure during the sampling exercise would result to suspension of Cebu Pacific operations, CAAP said.

CAAP also instructed air traffic controllers not to allow take-offs and landings during zero visibility conditions.

The European Union partially lifted a ban imposed on the Philippines, allowing legacy carrier Philippine Airlines to fly again to the 28-nation bloc.

The EU however said Cebu Pacific and other Philippine airlines are still barred from entering European airspace due to lingering safety concerns.

Following the lifting of the EU ban, transportation and aviation authorities are confident that the ban imposed by the US-FAA will be also be lifted, probably in August. – Rappler.com