A GLOBAL administrative issue which left the Channel Islands without a search and rescue plane has been resolved, clearing the Lions’ Pride for take off.
The Channel Islands Air Search plane had been forced out of service after the United States Federal Aviation Administration ruled that the registration company handling its paperwork was found to be operating unlawfully under US citizenship rules.
The ruling has resulted in the immediate grounding of every aircraft registered through the company, which includes the Channel Islands Air Search aircraft.
The CIAS has now said that the issue is “fully resolved” and the volunteer crew are able to respond to call outs, after updated Federal Aviation Administration registration documentation was received and formally placed on board the aircraft.
“Relevant authorities, including the Guernsey and Jersey Coastguards, along with our volunteer aircrew, have been notified that the aircraft is once again fully available for tasking,” said the charity.
“We would like to thank the Coastguards, emergency services partners, volunteers, and the wider community for their patience, understanding, and continued support while this matter was addressed.”
The CIAS launched in 1980, and its volunteer crew assist with searches in Guernsey, Jersey, French, and British waters where necessary.
