The aircraft was positioned from Tokua to Jackson by the incident Captain and a F/O from another company. Apparently pilots nominated by the PNG CAA were not correctly endorsed on type and could not fly the aircraft additionally an insurance waiver could not be afforded. Therefore assisting the CAA with the court instruction in his own prosecution the Captain offered his services and this was accepted accpetable by the CAA.
The aircraft was inspected by the CAA FSR department and accordingly is fine to go however, the lawyers acting for the CAA refuse to release the aircraft. It is held under Section 57 of the PNG CA Act 2000.
The aircraft remains at the SE corner of the international apron parked out of the way with the DQFs and trolleys. The airworthiness status is unknown, however we are led to believe that schedule maintenance is now overdue. It may be here for a long time yet.
The trial is scheduled for Thursday 18 Nov in the grade 5 magistrates court. Pilots in command be wary of what precidents may come out of this case - we are all watching carefully.