Airport confirms Civil Aviation probe
(CNS): The Cayman Islands Airport Authority has confirmed that an air traffic controller based at Owen Roberts International Airport on Grand Cayman has been placed on administrative duties as a result of an ongoing investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority. Following revelations that a Cayman Airways Ltd (CAL) pilot had been suspended, officials from the airport said the air traffic controller was not suspended or being disciplined but the airport was cooperating with the probe and the air traffic controller’s removal from active duty was in accordance with international regulations. The air traffic controller is understood to have been on duty when a CAL aircraft was reportedly brought down to close to the North Sound.
Cayman Airways confirmed last week, following enquiries from CNS, that the pilot had been grounded as a result of the investigation.
The news regarding the probe into the air traffic controller comes against the backdrop of a major shake-up at the airport, plans for redevelopment and the formation of an association by air traffic controllers to protect and promote their profession. The president of the new group told CNS last week that the creation of the new association had nothing to do with what was happening at the airport. He said efforts to create a local branch of the professional association had been ongoing for several years and it was not a workers' union.
The airport management confirmed that they had been informed of the association, with which it was not familiar, but dismissed allegations that there were concerns about the formation of this new body.
“The CIAA was formally notified in an email from the President of the Cayman Islands Air Traffic Controllers Association (CIATCA) of the official formation of their group. The CIAA is not familiar with the Association but supports any measures that increase the professional knowledge and competency of its employees,” officials stated in response to questions from CNS.
The airport also denied allegations over outstanding pay to staff at the airport in connection with various acting posts and other issues, despite numerous reports of complaints from employees.
“All CIAA personnel who are performing acting duties are doing so on mutual agreement and are being compensated accordingly,” said Acting Managing Director of the CIAA, Andrew McLaughlin. “I am not aware of any grievance in this regard,” he added.
Category: Local News
Why has this story gone quiet? there is stil major isuues at the airline and no one seems to care to address them
what about the Liquid Lunch fiasco of the former boss? the silence is deafening.
I CANNOT MORE AGREE WITH 07:38
You are so right. When the pilot calls and report being on final and is cleared to land the ATC have nothing more to do until the flight land and is cleared to back track and exit. If these are CAA rules then only them must have such RIDICULOUS rules. So let me ask then doctor tells the patient to stop smoking and he don’t and dies, do we suspend the doctor. CAA STOP THE RUBBISH and get on with ensuring our Caymanians remains enthused about the job and stop trying to discourage them.
And you need to 1) learn how to write properly and 2) read the international civil aviation rules and regulations! These rules are not made uplocally. I sure hope you don't work in aviation with that lawless attitude!
I would like to congratulate the ATC of the Cayman Islands! Over 45years in operation behind the scenes one hardly gets recognized, keeping the skies safe! Thanks to everyone involved!
CNS can you investigate and report how often the airport fire service is undwerstaffed on shifts and when or how often planes land without adequate fire service,
If this is the case it is the CAA as the aviation overseer to do something about it.
Fail to see how this is the ATC fault once the plane is on final and cleared to land its up to the pilot to get iton the deck safely surely .
Which just goes to show that we do not have all the facts yet.
ATC is also responsible for reporting conditions etc to enable the pilot to prepare and execute their landing. Also for makign sure that the aircraft is indeed clear to land from its presnet position.etc etc etc
I am sure the ATC didn't not clear CAL to land in or near the North Sound!
Good one though….