CAACI’s COVID-19 Business Continuity as it pertains to the Cayman Islands Aircraft Registry
Skyview of Owen Roberts International Airport
During the current circumstances of “shelter in place” and “social distancing”, the CAACI continues to function in terms of providing regulatory certification and oversight services.
All the CAACI Technical and Support staff have been equipped and resourced to carry out their duties remotely. The function and capacity of our VP-C Online secured electronic data management system provides the means for our clients to continue to apply for initial issue and renewal of the majority of our Civil Aviation documents.
Though in person visits are limited depending on jurisdiction, our Inspectors and Surveyors can accept submission of the documentation supporting a certificate issue or renewals via VP-C Online upload. There the information can be reviewed and where additional information is required, the Surveyor or Inspector can contact the applicant directly via email.
The CAACI policy of physically visiting aircraft for Certificate of Airworthiness (CofA) renewals will resume once travel restrictions are eased depending on the country where the aircraft is based. For aircraft that had CofA’s renewed administratively during this time, operators are advised that the CAACI reserves the right to conduct an onsite inspection to validate submissions to renew the CofA.
The CAACI has Technical resources based in the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, North America and of course the Cayman Islands. This global reach combined with the functional capability of our VP-C Online electronic system allows our clients to apply and receive their formal aviation documents through our secure online portal.
Supporting the Leasing Industry
The CAACI continues to expand its support for Aviation Lessors. The current challenges faced by Lessors are routinely solved by our team of highly experienced Surveyors, Flight Operations Inspectors and CAMO partners. Combine these human and technical resources with the power of VP-C Online; Lessors benefit with innovative and timely solutions for a variety of aircraft transition and storage projects.
The variations in the policy have an ending date of 31 July 2020. By the end of May 2020 and depending on the steps taken by other NAAs, this expiry date may be extended.
Holders of United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Crew Licences supporting a Cayman Islands Foreign Licence Validation Certificate (FLVC)
The CAACI has already provided Variations to the Overseas Territories Aviation Requirements (OTAR) in support of a relaxed renewal policy for flight crew and operators. In the case of FLVCs, extensions of existing validations are granted based on receipt of evidence that the ICAO State issuing the base licence has granted an extension due to the current global situation.
In the case of FAA Licence Holders, the United States has issued a “non-enforcement” for flight crew medicals expiring in the coming months until 30 June 2020. However, this policy has been limited to pilots employed by United States operators or owners.
The question is, “Can the CAACI grant an FLVC Extension to the holder of an FAA Licence operating an aircraft registered in the Cayman Islands with an expired FAA Medical?”
The CAACI has no authority to issue an extension or exemption to an FAA Airman Certificate or Medical. Only the FAA can issue those authorisations. In some instances, where an FAA Class 1 Medical reverts to a lower category (Class 2 or 3) after its initial validity period, the CAACI may be able to issue a FLVC with the limitation of “co-pilot only”. Applicants are advised to contact the CAACI before making application to confirm this is an option for them.
The CAACI is committed to supporting aircraft owners and Operators through these challenging times. We appreciate the inconvenience this particular situation may cause some pilots or operators but the decision by the United States FAA is beyond our control.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact, Captain Lindsay Cadenhead, Director Air Safety Regulation at 345-925-9983 or lindsay.cadenhead@caacayman.com.
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