CASA action following internal investigation
The Director of Aviation Safety, Mick Toller, today advised the Minister for Transport and Regional Development, the Hon Mark Vaile, MP, of the action he intends to take following his review of the preliminary Report of the investigation of CASA's internal issues arising from the suspension and subsequent conditional stay, of the Air Operator's Certificate of Aquatic Air, trading as South Pacific Seaplanes.
"Although this preliminary Report answers a number of the questions I raised about the appropriateness of the conditions and subsequent actions taken, I do not believe it has covered all my initial concerns," Mr Toller said.
"I now propose to set up a wider inquiry which will conduct a full and complete review into the operations of South Pacific Seaplanes and the actions of CASA regarding such operations over the past three years.
"This Report is to be presented to me through the Assistant Director, Aviation Safety Compliance by 31 August at the latest. The CASA Board today noted and agreed to this course of action."
Mr Toller said he had decided, under the circumstances three staff members, the Regional Manager South East Region, Trevor Burns, the District Flying Operations Manager, Mary O'Brien, and the Acting District Airworthiness Manager (North) Herb McFarlane, will be suspended forthwith, pending the outcome of the extended inquiry.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Brian Flanagan
Manager, Office of Public Relations
Phone: 02 6217 1015
Mobile 0419 296 446
31 July 1998
Ref: ME9817PR