Flight School and Regulator Dispute Engine Overhaul Approval and Training Delay in 2025

Fiji — A dispute between Pacific Flying School and the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) has escalated following public statements over engine maintenance approvals and aircraft grounding, leaving more than 50 pilot trainees waiting to complete their multi-engine training. The case has drawn attention from Fiji’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, which reaffirmed its support for the regulator’s independence while promising to assist affected students once compliance issues are resolved.

• Pacific Flying School, part of the Joyce Aviation (Fiji) Group, has denied allegations by Acting Minister for Civil Aviation Ifereimi Vasu that aircraft engine overhauls were conducted without proper authorization.
• Director Tim Joyce said that Suncoast Aviation, the facility performing overhauls, had been approved annually by CAAF and that all work was performed in good faith.
• The issue came to light after CAAF raised concerns in April 2025, grounding seven engines and later delaying the import and certification of two newly purchased training aircraft.
• Joyce said these regulatory actions resulted in costly operational delays, with two aircraft held in Australia and essential logbook records allegedly returned incomplete.
• The school claims that the dispute has left over 50 cadets waiting for their multi-engine flight training, significantly disrupting student progress and increasing costs.
• Joyce has called for an independent investigation, alleging that the regulator acted “without clear justification” and created “unfair delays.”

The Fiji Government, responding to the controversy on October 3, 2025, issued a clarification emphasizing that CAAF operates as an independent regulator and that aircraft maintenance must comply with Fiji’s Air Navigation Regulations (ANR) 145C.

• Government officials stressed that only organizations holding an ANR 145C Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) Certificate can conduct engine overhauls for Fiji-registered aircraft.
• Listing a maintenance facility in an operator’s internal exposition or holding a foreign approval does not constitute CAAF approval.
• Authorities said CAAF had no record of an ANR145C certificate being issued to the Australian facility used by Pacific Flying School.
• The regulator has defended its audits, temporary restrictions, and verification checks as standard ICAO-aligned safety procedures.
• The Government reiterated its empathy for affected students and pledged to facilitate their return to training as soon as the operator meets regulatory standards.

Source: Fiji Government statement & Pacific Flying School Media Statements