CASA has grounded iconic outback airline Alligator Airways, saying it believes permitting the Kununurra operator to continue flying poses a "serious and imminent risk to air safety." The suspension notice was made public at 11.00 pm Thursday May 3.
The announcement of the action went on to state:
"Both the air operator’s certificate and the certificate of approval of Alligator Airways have been suspended. These certificates cover the flying operations and the maintenance activities of Alligator Airways.
"During 2011 and 2012 CASA served a number of show cause notices on Alligator Airways due to concerns about aircraft maintenance, failure to report incidents, inadequate pilot training records, a deficient safety culture, an inability of key personnel to carry out their safety obligations and key positions unoccupied or not functional.
"Since the last show cause notice there have been further incidents raising concerns about Alligator Airways’ ability to continue to conduct operations safely.
"These incidents involved forced landings where CASA believes employees of Alligator Airways were aware of significant defects affecting the safety of aircraft prior to flight.
"In the circumstances, CASA no longer has confidence in the ability of Alligator Airways to satisfactorily address the safety issues that have been identified."
Initially, the supension is only for five days, during which CASA is obliged to apply to the Federal Court for the grounding to be extended. If the extension is granted, Alligator will remain out of the air until CASA has completed investigations into safety matters.
Alligator Airways has been operating charter flights and sightseeing tours out of both Broome and Kununurra using several types including a GA8 Airvan, C210, C207 and Chieftain.