South Australian feeder carrier Whyalla Airlines has surrendered its air operator certificate (AOC) under protest, claiming the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is abusing due process by automatically suspending AOCs after high-profile safety events without full investigation.
Whyalla's AOC was suspended following the fatal ditching of a Piper Chieftain on a flight from Adelaide to Whyalla in May, apparently after both engines failed almost simultaneously but for differing mechanical reasons.
CASA launched a comprehensive post-accident audit of the regional airline, which it claims identified numerous operational deficiencies.
Source: Flight International
