CAASL shoots down SLAF's commercial flights proposal
The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) has objected to the move by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) to operate passenger flights to and from the north without an Air Operations Certificate (AOC). This was stated in a letter sent to the Aviation Ministry last week.
The operation of passenger flights without an AOC is in total violation of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) procedures, the letter states.
CAASL Chairman, Lal Liyanarachchi told The Sunday Leader that the SLAF has not yet applied for an AOC. He added that a letter has already been sent to the Aviation Ministry Secretary with regard to the issue of the SLAF attempting to operate commercial flights within the country without an AOC.
Liyanarachchi explained that in the aviation industry, even flights operating within a country should comply with international standards.
"An AOC is not any ordinary certificate, it is issued after the authorities are provided with a detailed report on the operations," he said, adding that any commercial airline transporting civilian passengers should have an aviation certificate.
Although the SLAF was engaged in civilian passenger transportation during the war under special circumstances, it could not do so on a commercial basis.
"The SLAF does not require an AOC to transport civilian passengers during the war. Yet, the passengers travelling in the aircraft at the time have to sign a form stating they take full responsibility for whatever happens to them in the course of the flight," Liyanarachchi said.
He pointed out that since the SLAF is now planning on transporting civilian passengers on a commercial basis, it needed to get an AOC.
When asked if the CAASL was informed by the SLAF of its decision to operate civilian passenger flights on a commercial basis, Liyanarachchi said the Authority was unaware of the decision till news appeared in the media.
"No commercial flight could operate without an AOC," he said. He further noted that the authorisation of the Civil Aviation Authority and aircraft insurance were important to operate civilian passenger flights on a commercial basis.
An AOC is an ICAO requirement to ensure the safety of the passengers. Sri Lanka has been a member of the ICAO, agreeing to abide by its codes, since 1948.
Wing Commander Dayal Wijeratne from SLAF's Helitours, which is to handle the passenger flights to the north, was not available for comment.