Test flight results in with CASA

BY CHRISTINE HOWES

A re-start to passenger flights in and out of Mabuiag and Darnley Islands should be imminent after several test flights were undertaken earlier this week, Skytrans CEO Alan Milne says.

“We are carrying out our test flying,” he said. “Hopefully they will be able to give us an approval to re-start operations into Mabuiag and Darnley shortly after that.”

Shadow Minister for Northern Australia, Senator Susan McDonald has called on Federal Transport Minister Catherine King to fast-track planned upgrades for Torres Strait airstrips.

“CASA made a questionable decision to close these strips and offered no alternatives for people needing to travel and they are forced to use boats,” she said.

“CASA must provide an exemption to allow air travel to restart to and from these islands before there is another tragedy.”

A CASA spokesperson said they were working closely with the airline.

“CASA is working closely with Skytrans on demonstration flights aimed at the potential resumption of services to Mabuiag and Darnley islands,” they said.

“We will review information from the flights when it becomes available - we know how important air services are in the region and we are committed to working with operators and the airports to ensure flights can resume safely as soon as possible.

“Every CASA decision is made with the safety of passengers in mind.

“We are reviewing options in the context of the unique environment in the Torres Strait Islands against international safety criteria for passenger transport and to find a safe solution.”

CASA said operators must have permission from them to fly into shorter runways that don’t meet regulations set by manufacturers.

“When we consider the application, we look at pilot training, limitations on weather and other things,” they said.

“The operator needs to provide us with information about how they can fly into that location safely.”

Mr Milne said the test flights were successful.

“We are collating the results and will submit to CASA ASAP,” he said.