Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) has temporarily grounded two aircraft, XA-GJC and XA-ALV, operated by AirLink, an air ambulance provider, and suspended its maintenance workshop following an inspection. AirLink’s remaining 11 aircraft continue to operate.
AFAC’s findings
AirLink said AFAC found gaps in the recording of maintenance work, specifically pilot reports entered in one aircraft log. AFAC also raised concerns about activity within the company’s maintenance workshop.
The operator said the issues do not affect its air operator certificate (AOC) and that the rest of its fleet continues to be in operation.
CEO of AirLink, Jaime Díaz, said that required maintenance has been carried out and the company was providing documentation to AFAC. In a statement, he said:
“We take the findings seriously, and our job now is to correct every item and provide the corresponding evidence to the authority. We are responding to every inspection comment, and [we expect] the two aircraft will return to service when AFAC confirms they meet all requirements.”
AFAC did not specify the exact issues identified during the inspection.
AirLink’s plan moving forward
AirLink has established an action plan through its safety management system to address the issues moving forward. The plan outlines responsibilities and deadlines assigned to each item identified during the inspection.
The two aircraft will remain grounded until AFAC confirms that all outstanding requirements have been met. The company’s maintenance workshop will remain suspended until its findings have been fully resolved.
What’s your view on AFAC grounding part of AirLink’s fleet and suspending its maintenance operations? Let us know in the comments below.
