CAL pilot grounded
(CNS): Cayman Airways Limited (CAL) officials have confirmed that one of their pilots has been grounded as a result of an investigation into a possible safety breach. Although the airline has given few details and has been quick to suggest that the pilot’s removal from his “operational role” and “separation from duty” is not necessarily “punitive” or indicative of any fault”, CNS understands the incident relates to a landing of an aircraft very close to the North Sound and that an air traffic controller has also been suspended in connection with the same landing. Although the airport has not yet responded to CNS enquiries, CAL confirmed that it is investigating the incident.
“Cayman Airways Limited puts the safety of its passengers, crew, and operations first above all else and as such, we operate a very robust Safety Management System (SMS),” officials said in a statement released to CNS. “Our standard procedures require that whenever there are events which have had an effect on our standards of safety or even just had the potential to affect safety, no matter how minor, they are fully investigated.”
The airline went on to state that standard procedures dictate that whenever such investigations are underway, the employees involved are usually removed from their operational roles to ensure the integrity of the process.
“Such temporary separation from duty is not punitive and is not indicative of any fault on the part of the employee. At this time, we can confirm that one such investigation is underway and we are not in a position to disclose any further details as this would compromise the integrity of our Safety Management System,” the spokesperson added.
Questions were also submitted to the Cayman Islands Airport Authority regarding the alleged involvement and investigation of an air traffic controller and his suspension from duty. The authority has acknowledged receipt but has not yet responded to questions.
News of this incident comes in the wake of the formation of a local air traffic controllers professional association, which the organisers have denied is linked to this or any of the other problems currently plaguing the airport following a number of controversial issues and scandals that have surrounded the facility since early last year. The timing, they said, is merely coincidental as they have been trying for many years to create a formal body to represent their profession.
Nevertheless, CNS understands that the airport management is concerned about the controllers' association and its implications. In addition, there have been unconfirmed complaints made to CNS that staff across the airport facility are not receiving payments due for overtime, extra work or increased payments for taking up acting positions, among other pay complaints.
Airport officials have neither confirmed nor denied any of the issues relating to the latest allegations of problems at Owen Roberts international. The continued reports of issues and staffing problems at the airport come shortly after a new board was appointed and as government considers the business case for redeveloping the facility as Cayman’s overnight tourism figures continue to rise.
Category: Local News
Interesting comments from the airline:
"we operate a very robust Safety Management System (SMS),” officials said in a statement released to CNS.
That must be why the matter only came to light some 3 weeks after it occurred.
According to reports, the Captain of the "almost got wet" flight is also the Chief of Safety in the airline!
I'm sure he wanted to report the matter right away, he just did not know to whom, since he is the one in charge.
What is that smell?
time for more awards franz……
If this is an internal investigation why has this been made public? Sounds like typical marl road politricks against someone….
It is not an internal investigation. The UK Civil Aviation Authority is on island working with the local CAA on the matter.
Shake up the CIAA it's about time. They definitely have persons working in acting positions and have refused to pay them and this is especially true on the Brac. I know that funds are tight but fair is fair and laws need to be complied with. If the private sector has to abide by these pay rules and regulations then so to,should the government and their authorities,
Am I being dumb? How does a CAL jet stopping too close to the end of the runway become a shakeup at the CIAA?
This very well could have been KX103 from Miami last Friday around 1 p.m….it kept going and going and going and finally stopped at the end of the runway by the North Sound.
Yep, think that was it!!!
No u idiots it wasnt even that …the event hapoened over a month ago
There must be a nicer way to say that
Is that not normal? Every jet filght into G. Cayman that I have been on usually stops not too far from the East end of the runway.
Major Potential For An Accident To Occur..
There is a big difference between stopping short on the runway and stopping on the threshold. The airplanes have a required stopping distance and once they fall short it becomes a major probem. The risk on an accident occuring increases drestically!!! This can occur when a pilot compromises their approach when landing, by coming in too fast or too high. With that stated can you imagine what could happen if the airplane do not have sufficient runway to land. I don't think CKX can SWIM..
It ain't called The Turtle for nuttin'
Bunch of armchair pilots on their Monday morning quarterback discussions. Rolling to the end of the runway is not unusual. This is done as it saves on wear and tear on the brake assemblies.
The combination of reverse thrust and wheel braking allows the airplane to touchdown and decelerate to taxy speed safely in the confines of runway.
With aggressive braking, the B737 is fully capable of stopping in 4000ft of runway at its maximum landing weight.
It was actually 3 Friday nights ago and it was KX107 from Miami that kept going and going and going…