Dear Members:-

السلام عليكم

By the grace of almighty ALLAH, first time in the history of PALPA, we witnessed a remarkable turn-out of 92.5%. This displays the faith pledged by the honourable membership on its prestigious Association. With such a huge mandate, arises a great responsibility on the elected Executive Committee (EC). We are cognizant of the fact that the challenges before us demand a serious and swift approach towards the tasks at hand.

Most recently, 98 of our members received Show Cause Notices by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) on the subject of ONCR. To our utmost dismay, on those Show Cause Notices, we get to see the clauses from the Civil Aviation Rules applicable on the operators only, such as 201, 202, 206 and 240.

In most cases, at no stage was the ANO 91.0012 Issue-5, clause 7.2.2., was violated as the flights were planned within specified limits and those flights were continued with a clear understanding under the light of ANO 91.0012 clause 9.1 and 9.2. (The same clauses are reproduced below)

9. EXTENSION OF FLIGHT DUTY PERIODS

9.1. Exceptions allow the flexibility needed to respond to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the operator that occur during operations. These are not intended for use in regular practice. These exceptions must not be scheduled or planned. Flight duty periods may be extended in unforeseen operational circumstances by no more than 04 hour(s).

9.2. Before exercising this extension of flight duty period, the Pilot-in-Command should be satisfied that all members of the flight crew required to operate the aircraft consider themselves fit to do so.

Recognizing the severity of the issue, PALPA stands shoulder to shoulder with its membership. The matter has been raised at the highest levels for a quick resolution. We assure our membership that we shall struggle relentlessly until this matter is resolved.

Flight Safety is a phenomenon and a conscience already inculcated through various regimens transferred from senior to junior in our membership. We should continue in our endeavour to adhere to Civil Aviation Rules which are in conformity with our motto “Safer Flying”.

With Best Regards,

Capt. Rizwan Gondal
PRESIDENT