Chairperson, the ACDP shares the view that there was a clear need to tighten up and consolidate legislation regarding civil aviation, particularly following the 9/11 tragedy and, domestically, the now infamous incident of an engine falling off a Nationwide aircraft, as well as a spate of fatal light aircraft incidents and accidents in the recent past.
Aviation safety cannot be compromised in any manner, particularly in the run-up to the 2010 Soccer World Cup when many thousands of additional tourists will be coming to South Africa. This Bill will also address comments and concerns expressed by the FAA in its audit report and other concerns expressed by those involved in the local aviation industry.
The primary purpose of the newly established Aviation Safety Investigation Board will be to prevent aircraft accidents. It will, inter alia, identify safety deficiencies and report publicly on its findings.
Although the Bill makes provision for the establishment of a number of new structures, the majority of these structures currently exist within the aviation framework, although in a different form. The ACDP will support this Bill as well as the report which recommends a comprehensive review of the government's regulatory entities. Thank you.