CAA/Worksafe target small aviation operator

Marty Lloyd needs your help to fund a defence against what we believe to be an unjust prosecution against a small aviation operator.

Marty started skydiving in 1970 and set up his independent skydiving operation, Skysports ( NZ) Ltd, commonly known as Skydive Wellington, 29 years ago in 1991. The business has operated from Hood Aerodrome in Masterton and has been a well-respected aerodrome tenant and local business. The business is certified under CAR Part 115 Adventure Aviation and was well on the way to full SMS certification under CAR Part 100 Safety Management. Marty has always been a proponent of safe operations and proactive in the use of new technology to enhance safety.

On June 16th 2019, Skysports’ Cessna 185 was involved in a fatal mid-air collision with an aeroclub plane that destroyed both aircraft and killed both pilots. Marty was severely shocked and emotionally strained by the accident, yet still did everything possible to assist with the various investigations and support all those involved while struggling with his own well-being. He made a commitment to his team and suppliers to rebuild the business, and has put all his capital and further borrowings into doing so.

One year later and only a few hours before the deadline to lay charges, the CAA’s Worksafe unit notified Marty by telephone that they intended to lay three charges in relation to the accident, two against Skysports and one against Marty personally. He was not told what the charges were nor given any details about the charges.

This prosecution seems to be nothing more than a cheap shot at an easy target: a small independent aviation business that hasn’t had any revenue in over a year. Marty has spent the last year recovering from the emotional and psychological toll of the accident and subsequent CAA and TAIC investigations, and then sourcing and importing a replacement aircraft. Skysports still has an operating certificate but Covid-19 has delayed getting the aircraft NZ-airworthy and up in the air. He simply cannot afford to defend himself against these charges.

Marty needs our help to engage support from legal professionals with experience in aviation law. He needs to at least be able to defend himself.

Every person involved in aviation at any level should be concerned that the regulator’s enforcement arm is behaving in this way. Please donate whatever you can to help Marty.