MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

New aviation regulations for the Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands Civil Aviation Department in conjunction with Air Safety Support International has announced a new single set of civil aviation requirements. A series of seminars to brief industry on the changes has also been arranged.

The new operating rules, known as Overseas Territories Aviation Requirements (OTARS), describe the standards that civil aviation must meet and will cover aviation in the Falkland Islands and the other UK Overseas Territories (OTs).

Andrew Newman, Director of Civil Aviation, explained: "We will now have in place a single coherent code which has been specifically developed to cater for the aviation industry in the Falklands.

"The new requirements will have a significant effect on those who manufacture, operate or maintain aircraft registered in the Islands, on airports and air traffic services and on those who hold personnel licences or validations issued by the Falkland Islands CAD."

In order to ensure that the industry is aware of these changes a series of free presentations has been arranged in all the Territories as well as other key locations.

The seminar in Stanley on 21st November will begin with a special session for the Governor's office and FI government and staff. This will be followed by presentations and discussion for the aviation industry.

Attendance is free but in order to assist planning you must register to attend. Further information on the event, and registration forms, can be found on the ASSI website at: www.airsafety.aero/roadshow2006 .

Air Safety Support International Ltd (ASSI), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), was formally established on 1 April 2003 and is funded through the UK Department for Transport (DfT).

The company's remit, through Directions from the UK Secretary of State for Transport to the UK CAA, is to audit safety regulation in each UK Territory; to provide assistance, training and advice to the Territories; to carry out safety regulation where designated by the Governor; to draft amendments to aviation legislation and produce means of compliance with that legislation.