<\/p>\n
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has confirmed that it is reviewing data and other information relevant to Airlink\u2019s flypast at Cape Town\u2019s DHL Stadium last weekend.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the airline withdrew its third planned flypast application for this weekend.<\/p>\n
South Africa has been making headlines internationally since Saturday, when two Airlink Embraer 190 passenger jets performed what many critics described as one of the lowest flyovers yet recorded \u2013 just 12m above the Cape Town stadium\u2019s roof.<\/p>\n
SACAA reviews data around Airlink\u2019s flyover at Cape Town stadium<\/p>\n
The flyover happened before the kick-off of the second Test of the Rugby\u2019s Greatest Rivalry series between the Springboks and the All Blacks.<\/p>\n
In a statement on Wednesday, SACAA said South Africa has one of the most sought-after aviation talents in the world.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a country, we remain proud of the 0% record in fatal accidents in the commercial airline operations space for over four decades,\u201d the aviation regulator said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a record we intend to uphold well into the future, and it is therefore critical that we interrogate this past weekend\u2019s events with clear minds and data at our disposal to determine if there were any safety concerns which warrant a review, as we seek to continuously strengthen our safety standards.\u201d<\/p>\n
Airlink said the SACAA review came at its own voluntary initiation.<\/p>\n
On Sunday, Airlink said it carefully planned and rehearsed the flyover with guidance, approval and support from SACAA and Air Traffic Navigation Services for a safe flyover.<\/p>\n
SACAA said that after the flypast, it started ongoing compliance verifications and confirmed some information.<\/p>\n
Read:
Civil Aviation Authority probes rugby flyover
Airlink defends rugby match flypast that sparked safety debate<\/p>\n
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Flypast applications approved<\/p>\n
According to the authority, Airlink submitted three applications for flypasts related to the rugby matches, and Saturday was the second application.<\/p>\n
The aviation regulator said the applications were filed in accordance with the regulatory provisions governing non-passenger or cargo-carrying flights conducted under the provisions of Part 91.06.32.<\/p>\n
The first flypast happened on 22 August in Johannesburg and the second on 29 August, following SACAA\u2019s approval.<\/p>\n
According to the authority, for the second flyover, Airlink submitted the application with supporting documentation applicable to such operations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe necessary processes, including the practice flight in a simulator in preparation for the Saturday flight and a safety briefing, were conducted ahead of the operation as required by the regulations,\u201d the SACAA said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was approved by the regulator, in line with the requirements for Special Air Events.\u201d<\/p>\n
Analysing flight data<\/p>\n
Videos of the planes appearing to skim the stadium roof went viral and prompted debate among aviation enthusiasts, international news and social media users.<\/p>\n
SACAA said these media discussions prompted it to start compliance verification, contact Airlink, obtain the Flight Data Recording downloads, and other additional requirements.<\/p>\n
The aviation regulator has begun its analysis process and has requested additional information from the operator to reach an informed position.<\/p>\n
Read: Low, fast and controversial: Assessing the Airlink flyover<\/p>\n
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Once the assessment is complete, SACAA will provide Airlink with a comprehensive report containing recommendations.<\/p>\n
Further, the authority confirmed that on Wednesday Airlink said it was withdrawing its application for approval for the third flypast that was planned for this coming weekend at FNB Stadium in Soweto.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe SACAA, as the safety net of the South African skies, gives the public the assurance that aviation safety and security compliance will always remain paramount and is not negotiable,\u201d the regulator said.<\/p>\n
SA\u2019s high aviation safety standards must be upheld \u2013 SACAA<\/p>\n
South Africa is ranked seventh globally and first in Africa for its aviation safety standards by the International Civil Aviation Organization, a United Nations specialised agency on civil aviation safety and security.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is achieved with a culture of compliance and a South African aviation industry that prioritises aviation safety and security,\u201d SACAA said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson, who was at the stadium during the flyover, backed Airlink.<\/p>\n
He said it was laughable to see aviation experts going on about the airline\u2019s flyover.<\/p>\n
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie hailed South Africa\u2019s pilots.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a well-known fact that we have the best pilots in the world; that was spectacular. Next time, I will ask the pilots to land on the field. Prepare to be amazed further,\u201d McKenzie said.<\/p>\n
#Airlink #pulls #plug #FNB #Stadium #flyover #aviation #watchdog #probes<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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