ALL PALPA MEMBERS:
السلام عليكم
The Executive Committee would like to update the members on the all important issue of outstanding medical clearances of some of our pilot members by PCAA.
Based on the incorrect information provided to PCAA by the previous management of flight operations, 21 of our pilots were summoned to appear before a medical board by the then Chief of Aviation Medicine Dr.Faheem-ud-Din. Few of the pilots filed a Constitution Petition against PCAA & PIA in the Honourable High Court of Sindh, challenging the formation of medical board and right of pilots to ascertain their fitness before a flight as stipulated in CARs & License. The case is still sub-judice and the next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday 19th January 2016.
In the previous two court hearings the counsel for PCAA did not appear, therefore, medical certificates of victimized members could not be released. The higher authorities of PCAA have assured us that their counsel will be present in the next hearing. We expect, God Willing, that all the held up medical certificates will be released by the Honourable Court, since PCAA has submitted the same in the Court.
It is vital to mention here that the prayer of the Constitution Petition, if granted, will secure our right to determine our fitness for flight in accordance with the provisions of our flying license and CAA Rules without the fear of victimisation by PCAA or PIAC for all times to come.
PALPA is also supporting the victimized members financially in order to compensate for their losses.
Another important outstanding issue is the suspension of Flying Licenses of two of our member pilots for exceeding FDTL. In light of the above suspension it has become imperative that each and every crew member must follow the laid down FDTL of PALPA-PIAC Working Agreement and never ever exceed the ANO of PCAA regardless of any pressure or situation. To ensure flight safety, all member pilots are requested to update themselves with the latest FDTL and in case of any ambiguity kindly contact the Directorate of Flight Operations or PALPA Executive Committee Members.
We are reasonably sure that the new team of PCAA and Directorate of Flight Operations, with their pragmatic approach; all outstanding issues between Pilots, PIA Flight Operations & PCAA will be resolved amicably.
In the end, the Executive Committee would like to request you all to disregard certain elements within our community who are trying to mislead the community for their own self projection and the Executive Committee assures that it stands shoulder to shoulder with each and every member.
With Best Regards,
Capt. Sohail Ahmed
GENERAL SECRETARY