Channel Islands Air Search says its aircraft registration issue has been sorted out and the Lions’ Pride has been cleared to fly again.
The plane was grounded earlier this month due to a global administrative issue. But CIAS said that is now “fully resolved” and the volunteer crew are able to respond to call outs.
“Relevant authorities, including the Guernsey and Jersey Coastguards, along with our volunteer aircrew, have been notified that the aircraft is once again fully available for tasking,” said the charity.
“We would like to thank the Coastguards, emergency services partners, volunteers, and the wider community for their patience, understanding, and continued support while this matter was addressed.”
The CIAS launched in 1980, and its volunteer crew assist with searches in Guernsey, Jersey, French, and British waters where necessary.
It is described as “the eyes in the sky” and is usually available on a 24 hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year basis helping rescue centres across the Channel Islands, the French CROSSMA and CROSSCO centres and, on occasion, the English Coastguards.
The “regulatory technical issue” that occurred had related to the aircraft registration provider used by CIAS.
CIAS explained that led to a decision by the United States Federal Aviation Administration to ground hundreds of aircraft globally.
This meant the Lions Pride was out of action for a week as a result.
Now, updated Federal Aviation Administration registration documentation has been received and formally placed on board the aircraft, a CIAS spokesperson confirmed today.