asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware of the widespread public concern about the frequency of accidents to passenger aircraft on charter services; whether the crews, servicing and equipment of charter aircraft are subject to the same controls as affect aircraft on schedule flights; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Accidents on Aircraft Charter Services.
23.
Mr. Ryan
All accidents are a cause of public concern but generally speaking no grounds appear to exist for special concern in this country in relation to non-schedule operations. There may be concern over recent accidents to aircraft registered outside this country and I understand that the responsible authorities are giving attention to the matter.
Regulations governing the licensing of flight crews on Irish aircraft and the servicing of Irish registered aircraft are the same for both scheduled and non-scheduled air services. In order to engage in public transport an aircraft operator would require to hold an aviation business licence. In the consideration of an application for such a licence due regard would be paid to the competency of the operator which would include his proposal for the servicing and maintenance of aircraft.