Armstrong case highlights importance of pilot medical certification

14 December 2015

The case of helicopter pilot Dave Armstrong demonstrates the importance of civil aviation rules in maintaining New Zealand’s world-class aviation safety standards, says the CAA.

Mr Armstrong, who in October this year pleaded guilty to two charges of operating an aircraft without a medical certificate and one charge of failing to accurately record flight details in a pilot’s log book, was convicted and sentenced today in the Christchurch District Court.

He was convicted on both charges of not holding an appropriate medical certificate and fined a total of $5000 for those offences. He was not convicted for failing to record flight details, as this was an infringement offence, but was fined $800. He was ordered to pay court costs.

Director of Civil Aviation Graeme Harris says he acknowledges one of the four flights Mr Armstrong operated without a medical certificate significantly aided in Scott Lee’s rescue.

“However he also put at risk the lives of his co-pilot, as well as the Police and Search and Rescue teams who were his passengers during these flights,” he says.

“If we were only talking about the rescue of Scott Lee, if Mr Armstrong had advised all his passengers of his status before flying and had informed the CAA after the event then it is highly unlikely that a prosecution would have resulted in this instance.

“Mr Armstrong chose not to do any of these things so prosecution was entirely appropriate.”

In August 2012 Mr Armstrong had his Class 1 and 2 medical certificates suspended. He was later that month disqualified from holding medical certificates under the Civil Aviation Act.

This was because medical expert opinion concluded the risk of him flying was too high.

“Medical certification is a cornerstone of our aviation system, and as such it is important that regardless of the circumstances, pilots ensure they are fit to fly at all times.

In repeatedly flying without medical certification and failing to log flight details Mr Armstrong operated outside civil aviation rules and the civil aviation act, which exist to maintain safety.

“If the Police had not become aware of the situation and reported it to the CAA Mr Armstrong could have continued to put his life and the lives of others at risk,” says Mr Harris.

“We cannot turn a blind eye to pilots who break the rules. This would risk the lives of the thousands of New Zealanders and international visitors who expect pilots to be fit to fly.”

Mr Harris says there can be serious consequences if pilots without medical certification fly. He says Mr Armstrong’s guilty plea shows he is aware of the seriousness of his offending.

“It also sends a message that it is not acceptable for pilots to operate in this way.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media