Minister announces changes in monitoring of pilots
Associate Transport Minister Nathan Guy has announced two new initiatives by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to improve the monitoring of commercial pilots with drug and alcohol issues.
“New Zealand has a strong, safe and robust system for monitoring pilots. However the CAA has agreed to work on two initiatives to further improve public confidence, transparency and information gathering.
“The CAA will work with the Ministry of Justice to introduce random checks on commercial pilots for any criminal convictions which have not been declared. This will be in addition to the existing check required when a pilot first enters the system, and the legal obligation they have to declare any convictions.
“Secondly, the CAA is proposing to introduce an electronic database which will enable them to more effectively gather information and monitor any trends.
“These measures are in addition to the current legislative requirements and policies carried out by airlines. This will further enhance public confidence in the system, and be cost effective.
“I’m confident that airlines take the issue of drug and alcohol abuse seriously, and that the vast majority of pilots do an outstanding job.
“The CAA will now work on implementing these measures and report back to me on progress by mid October,” says Mr Guy.