CAAP Extends Suspension of Topflite Academy Flight School
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has extended the suspension of Topflite Academy of Aviation Inc. (TAAI) following a recent plane crash. This extension of the suspension affects the flight school involved in the accident in Zambales that injured four individuals.
Initially, CAAP imposed a seven-day halt on TAAI’s flight training operations after a Cessna aircraft (RP-C2211) crashed during a training flight from Subic on July 11 in Iba town. The four people onboard—the flight instructor and three student pilots—were injured but received immediate medical care and were reported safe.
Investigation and Safety Compliance Underway
CAAP has decided to prolong the suspension until the investigation into the flight training program is completed. The agency emphasized that all safety concerns and compliance issues must be fully addressed before lifting the suspension.
“CAAP has deemed it necessary to extend the suspension until the investigation into the training program is completed and all safety and compliance issues are fully addressed,” a CAAP statement said on Monday.
Protecting Future Aviators and Training Integrity
Retired Lt. Gen. Raul Del Rosario, CAAP Director General, highlighted that this action is vital to safeguard future pilots and maintain the integrity of aviation training. He stressed the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols and regulatory standards by all flight schools.
“This is crucial to protect future aviators and preserve the integrity of aviation training by ensuring that all flight schools strictly adhere to established safety protocols and regulatory standards,” Del Rosario stated.
Government Directives and CAAP’s Ongoing Oversight
The move aligns with directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, who have called for upholding the highest aviation safety standards and reinforcing accountability across the sector.
CAAP also reaffirmed its commitment to continuous and strict supervision of pilot training institutions. The agency aims to ensure safe, responsible, and compliant operations throughout the aviation industry.
Local sources noted that the suspension serves as a reminder of the critical need for rigorous safety enforcement in all flight training programs.
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