Dear Editor,
Minister Robeson Benn in his closing remarks at a training workshop held at the Grand Coastal Inn on Friday last for inspectors of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, condemned Air Services Limited (ASL) for not allowing a GCAA inspector on one of ASL’s aircraft (Cessna Caravan) to conduct pilot checks etc. Well the minister is wrong to condemn ASL because the inspector in question is not qualified to conduct such checks.
In aviation, Minister Benn must recognise that persons holding senior aviation appointments must not be given those positions by default, persons must be appropriately qualified. It is a dangerous practice and should be addressed without delay.
The International Civil Aviation Organisa-tion (ICAO) sets the standards for appointments in the industry. We are a signatory to the ICAO convention so please Mr Minister let us maintain those standards. The Regional Aviation Safety Oversight System (RASOS) is always willing to help and advise on aviation matters in the region. Guyana can learn from their expertise.
Additionally, Mr Minister, your GCAA flight operations officer conducted pilot checks a few months ago on a civilian aircraft out of Ogle during a VIP flight for the GDF Chief. As a VIP, would you allow checks to be conducted on a pilot by an inspector while you or any other VIP are on board an aircraft?
Yours faithfully,
Sidney Drakes
