The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The “ship has not sailed” on the Bahamas’ window of opportunity to create an aircraft registry, an aviation attorney arguing it should still purue this.

Llewellyn Boyer-Cartwright, a Callenders & Co attorney and partner, told Tribune Business that an aircraft registry could provide jobs in the Bahamian civil aviation and financial services sectors.

He added that the Cayman Islands last November had adopted the Cape Town Convention, an international treaty which aims to standardise transactions involving movable property, such as aircraft.

“I think that they are a trend-setting example for this region, and that move will stand them in good stead no doubt. I certainly think this is something the Bahamas should still consider seriously,” said Mr Boyer-Cartwright.

“I don’t believe that the ship has sailed on that one. I certainly think there is room for the the Bahamas to enter that arena. I continue to believe in the benefit, believe in the benefit of the registry in the financial services industry, but not exclusively in the financial services industry.

“You’re talking about creating jobs within the aviation sector itself, the civil aviation sector, and also the financial services sector in terms of financing and leasing of aircraft, which is very much a lucrative business.”

The Christie administration last November tabled the Civil Aviation Bill 2015 in the House of Assembly for a first reading. The Bill creates a new supervisory entity, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Bahamas, separating the industry’s operational oversight from its regulatory functions.

Air navigation services will be separate from regulation, and there are provisions for an independent accident investigations department; airspace regulation; air traffic services and aerodrome certification. Such a move has long been sought by the global industry watchdog, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

The Government is also moving to regulate the usage of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which Mr Boyer-Cartwright hailed as a “great step”. He added, though, that the regulations appear to be a bit restrictive.

“One of the restrictions is not to operate within five nautical miles of any airport, and at a height not exceeding 200 feet. It can be a little restrictive for those UAVs being operated in certain areas like Old Fort Bay, Lyford Cay and Love Beach, certainly when you think about real estate agents,” he told Tribune Business.

“Another issue is how a commercial operator goes about receiving special approval for something like a stadium event at the Sports Centre, or well within the five miles of an airport, hotel or resort where there are people.”

Mr Boyer-Cartwright added: “I’m happy to see this step in the right direction, but I think there maybe needs to be a little more guidance or direction to how to streamline it.”

The Ministry of Transport and Aviation has advised that owners of unmanned aircraft already in the Bahamas have until February 29, 2016, to register them with the Civil Aviation Department. Failure to do so may result in their UAVs being detained by the Flight Standards Inspectorate of the Civil Aviation Department.

“Restrictions governing the operation of the drones include their operation near an airport, at excessive heights, in congested or populated areas, near an organised open-air assembly, near a vessel, vehicle or structure, or within close proximity to any person. Owners or operators of drones will be required to accept full responsibility for any accidents, mishaps, injuries or damage which may result from their operation,” the Ministry of Transport and Aviation said in a recent statement.