11. Hon TAU HENARE (National) Link to this
to the Associate Minister of Transport
What recent measures has the Government taken to improve the safety and monitoring of commercial pilots?
Hon NATHAN GUY (Associate Minister of Transport) Link to this
I have recently announced two new initiatives by the Civil Aviation Authority. It will work with the Ministry of Justice to introduce random checks on commercial pilots for any criminal convictions that have not been declared. This will be in addition to the existing check required when a pilot first enters the system. Also, the Civil Aviation Authority is proposing to introduce an electronic database, which will enable it to more effectively gather information and monitor medical issues affecting pilots.
What recent measures has the Government taken to improve the safety and the monitoring of commercial pilots?
I wanted to reassure the travelling public of New Zealand that these new measures are in addition to the current legislative requirements and will be cost-effective. I am very confident that airlines take the issue of drug and alcohol abuse seriously and that the vast majority of pilots do an outstanding job.