2013-09-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — A spokesperson for the UK Civil Aviation Authority said:
“As the UK’s aviation safety regulator, protecting the public is our fundamental purpose. It was right that Super Puma operations were suspended in the immediate aftermath of the accident on 23 August, until further information was available.
“Since the accident, our experts have been in close touch with the Air Accident Investigation Branch, the helicopter operators, the European Aviation Safety Agency, the Norwegian regulator, and others.
“We have reviewed and assessed the evidence available, including the information already published by the Air Accident Investigation Branch and detailed information provided to us by the operators. Our team of specialists includes pilots who are experienced in flying the Super Puma AS332 L2 in the North Sea environment.
“Based on all the information currently available, we do not believe that the accident was caused by an airworthiness or technical problem, and consider that the decision by the operators to resume Super Puma flights is appropriate. We would not allow a return to service unless we were satisfied that it was safe to do so. We will review the position if any new evidence comes to light.”
For further media information please contact the CAA Press Office on: 020 7453 6030 or press.office@caa.co.uk. You can follow us on Twitter at @UK_CAA
Notes to editors
1. The CAA is the UK’s specialist aviation regulator. Its activities include: making sure that the aviation industry meets the highest technical and operational safety standards; preventing holidaymakers from being stranded abroad or losing money because of tour operator insolvency; planning and regulating all UK airspace; and regulating airports, air traffic services and airlines and providing advice on aviation policy.