big fraidy cat
22nd Apr 2006, 09:29
From today's Cyprus Mail Internet edition, it is reported that the Cypriot CAA will now begin to revamp their operations in line with international standards.
Cabinet decides to beef up civil aviation
By Elias Hazou
EIGHT months after the Helios air disaster, the government has decided to beef up civil aviation, the department caught in the eye of the storm as at least partly responsible for the tragedy that cost the lives of 121 people.
This week, the Cabinet gave the green light for the hiring of foreign aviation security consultants, who are to assist Civil Aviation to get up to scratch with international standards. Meanwhile the department will employ an additional six staff (on a three-year contract basis) to man its Safety Unit, Flight Operations and Airworthiness divisions.
Transport Minister Harris Thrasou declined to name the foreign consultants, saying that negotiations with the company were ongoing.
But he said that the British consultants working with Civil Aviation would remain on the island for another year, by which time it was hoped they would pass on their expertise and know-how to Cypriot personnel.
The six additional staff at civil aviation (three pilots and three mechanics) will spend a year in training, and in the meantime the government plans to open up new permanent positions at the department so that gradually it can stand on its own two feet.
Reportedly, the decision to hire the foreign aviation experts was made on the recommendation of SH&E, a US-based air transport consultancy firm that had been asked to prepare a “diagnostic report” on Civil Aviation late last year.
The purpose of the report was to outline shortcomings in the department and suggest further action.
SH&E’s invitation was made at President Papadopoulos’ personal initiative while on a trip to the United States. Although the motives behind the move were welcomed at the time, critics pointed out the unorthodox method of bypassing normal state tender procedures.
Copyright © Cyprus Mail 2006
Cabinet decides to beef up civil aviation
By Elias Hazou
EIGHT months after the Helios air disaster, the government has decided to beef up civil aviation, the department caught in the eye of the storm as at least partly responsible for the tragedy that cost the lives of 121 people.
This week, the Cabinet gave the green light for the hiring of foreign aviation security consultants, who are to assist Civil Aviation to get up to scratch with international standards. Meanwhile the department will employ an additional six staff (on a three-year contract basis) to man its Safety Unit, Flight Operations and Airworthiness divisions.
Transport Minister Harris Thrasou declined to name the foreign consultants, saying that negotiations with the company were ongoing.
But he said that the British consultants working with Civil Aviation would remain on the island for another year, by which time it was hoped they would pass on their expertise and know-how to Cypriot personnel.
The six additional staff at civil aviation (three pilots and three mechanics) will spend a year in training, and in the meantime the government plans to open up new permanent positions at the department so that gradually it can stand on its own two feet.
Reportedly, the decision to hire the foreign aviation experts was made on the recommendation of SH&E, a US-based air transport consultancy firm that had been asked to prepare a “diagnostic report” on Civil Aviation late last year.
The purpose of the report was to outline shortcomings in the department and suggest further action.
SH&E’s invitation was made at President Papadopoulos’ personal initiative while on a trip to the United States. Although the motives behind the move were welcomed at the time, critics pointed out the unorthodox method of bypassing normal state tender procedures.
Copyright © Cyprus Mail 2006