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January 09, 2007
Caryn Dolley
TWO licensed pilots were arrested and charged for flying without permits, and the Culemborg helicopter base was under police investigation following Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) allegations four companies were illegally using the leased property as a helipad.
JJ Mittelmeyer, 53, of Muizenberg and Alan Raymond Faranoff, 50, of Milnerton appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on Friday on a charge each of contravening the Civil Aviation Act by allegedly flying a helicopter without a public pilot's permit on them.
They appeared the same day they were arrested during a police raid on four companies operating from the Culemborg helicopter base in Martin Hammerschlag Way.
Both were released on bail of R1 000 under conditions which included that they may not fly any aircraft for a profit and have to inform the investigating officer within 24 hours if they plan to change their address or want to leave the Western Cape.
Their case was postponed to January 25.
Police spokesman Randall Stoffels said Friday's search and seizure operation was part of an ongoing investigation. "This is part of an investigation into the illegal use of the leased property as a helipad and the alleged use of the helicopter by pilots in contravention of the Civil Aviation Act," he said.
The four companies raided were The Huey Club, Cape Town Sea Adventures, Cape Spectacular Adventures and Executive Helicopters.
All operate Huey helicopters and offer tours around the Peninsula.
Spokesman for Executive Helicopters, Evelyn Holtz-hausen, said police had raided the premises in search of documents or equipment which would prove the Transnet-owned property was being used illegally or that pilots were flying without the necessary permits.
Holtzhausen said the two arrested pilots were licensed and worked on a contract basis for all four companies.
He said employees of Executive Helicopters were surprised by Friday's raid and would refute the allegations brought against them.
Holtzhausen said none of their aircraft had been grounded and yesterday operations continued as usual.
"All these things, including that we're operating an unlicensed airport, which are being brought against us, are allegations and nothing has yet been proved so our operations will continue," he said.
Transnet spokesman John Dludlu confirmed the Culemborg property being used as a helicopter base belonged to them but referred all other queries to the police.
January 09, 2007
Caryn Dolley
TWO licensed pilots were arrested and charged for flying without permits, and the Culemborg helicopter base was under police investigation following Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) allegations four companies were illegally using the leased property as a helipad.
JJ Mittelmeyer, 53, of Muizenberg and Alan Raymond Faranoff, 50, of Milnerton appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on Friday on a charge each of contravening the Civil Aviation Act by allegedly flying a helicopter without a public pilot's permit on them.
They appeared the same day they were arrested during a police raid on four companies operating from the Culemborg helicopter base in Martin Hammerschlag Way.
Both were released on bail of R1 000 under conditions which included that they may not fly any aircraft for a profit and have to inform the investigating officer within 24 hours if they plan to change their address or want to leave the Western Cape.
Their case was postponed to January 25.
Police spokesman Randall Stoffels said Friday's search and seizure operation was part of an ongoing investigation. "This is part of an investigation into the illegal use of the leased property as a helipad and the alleged use of the helicopter by pilots in contravention of the Civil Aviation Act," he said.
The four companies raided were The Huey Club, Cape Town Sea Adventures, Cape Spectacular Adventures and Executive Helicopters.
All operate Huey helicopters and offer tours around the Peninsula.
Spokesman for Executive Helicopters, Evelyn Holtz-hausen, said police had raided the premises in search of documents or equipment which would prove the Transnet-owned property was being used illegally or that pilots were flying without the necessary permits.
Holtzhausen said the two arrested pilots were licensed and worked on a contract basis for all four companies.
He said employees of Executive Helicopters were surprised by Friday's raid and would refute the allegations brought against them.
Holtzhausen said none of their aircraft had been grounded and yesterday operations continued as usual.
"All these things, including that we're operating an unlicensed airport, which are being brought against us, are allegations and nothing has yet been proved so our operations will continue," he said.
Transnet spokesman John Dludlu confirmed the Culemborg property being used as a helicopter base belonged to them but referred all other queries to the police.
