Passengers on domestic planes flying at their own risk

Apr 03, 2016 News

– Aviation Regulators say insurance for local aircrafts not necessary

At present, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is not policing domestic airlines to ensure all aircraft transporting passengers are insured in the event of a possible mishap. Therefore, there is high possibility that a large percent of passengers fly uninsured.
Many of the domestic airlines are operating uninsured. Efforts were made to confirm this with the Director of Aviation Safety Regulations, Ankar Doobay, but he continuously refused to grant an interview.
His reaction confirmed something was not right.
Other sources later told Kaieteur News that the Authority does not make it a priority to ensure insurance; it is a mere recommendation.
This newspaper was also told that the existing civil aviation regulations do not address the issue of insurance or insurance coverage for aircraft. However, the best practice has been for all aircraft operators to insure their aircraft with the exception of the Guyana Defence Force, which is State owned.
Kaieteur News understands that in recognition of this and other deficiencies in the existing regulations, the GCAA is in the process of reviewing the Civil Aviation Regulations.
It has been said that the revised draft regulations have provided for such matters of insurance coverage for aircraft.
This “draft” come years after airlines have been operating without insurance and after several domestic aircraft have crashed.
Information is that some airlines insure one or two aircraft in its fleet.
There have been several crashes over the years, with many found to be as a result of engine failures. Families contacted by this publication indicated that they are yet to be compensated for the loss of their loved ones.