The Lions’ Pride is currently out of action – thanks to a global aircraft registration issue.
The Channel Islands Air Search has said it can’t currently use its aircraft because of the administrative issue that is affecting aircraft worldwide.
“A regulatory technical issue relating to our aircraft registration provider has resulted in a recent decision by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ground hundreds of aircraft globally, including the Channel Islands Air Search aircraft,” explained the charity.
That means any search and rescue missions won’t benefit from the ‘eyes in the sky’ for a temporary period.
It’s not known how long that might last.
The volunteer led charity was involved in 32 call outs during 2024 – double the number it attended in 2023. The data for 2025 hasn’t been published yet but at least three incidents are detailed on its website.
The charity said it is aiming to re-register its aircraft elsewhere so the crew can get back to saving lives.
“We have already initiated the process to transfer our aircraft registration to an alternative provider,” said CIAS. “This work is underway and we will do everything possible to resume operations as quickly as we can; however, completion is dependent on response times from third parties and the FAA, and therefore a confirmed timeline is not yet available.
“In the meantime, the Guernsey and Jersey Coastguards, relevant authorities, and emergency services have been formally notified that our services are temporarily unavailable, and all other usual arrangements for search and rescue coordination across the Channel Islands remain in place.”
The CIAS launched in 1980, and its volunteer crew assist with searches in Guernsey, Jersey, French, and British waters where necessary.
It usually operates on a 24 hour, 365 day basis helping rescue centres across the Channel Islands, the French CROSSMA and CROSSCO centres and, on occasion, the English Coastguards.
“We recognise the vital role Channel Islands Air Search plays within the community and want to reassure the public that we are working as quickly as possible within regulatory processes to return the aircraft to operational service,” said a charity spokesperson.
“Further updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.
“We would like to thank our volunteers, emergency services colleagues, and the wider community for their continued support and understanding.”