NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A newly formed pilots’ association is raising strong objections to a new exam requirement imposed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Bahamas (CAAB), which it contends it could lead to widespread license cancellations for Bahamian pilots and substantial disruption in the aviation sector.
The Bahamas Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (BAOPA), founded in August 2024, issued a statement noting that the CAAB announced that Bahamian-licensed pilots must pass the exam by January 31, 2025, to renew their licenses. This requirement could ground pilots from operating Bahamian-registered aircraft if they fail to comply.
The BAOPA highlighted that pilot licenses have traditionally been maintained with a current aviation medical, calling the new exam mandate unprecedented and unreasonable. BAOPA criticized the exam’s relevance, stating: “The main concern regarding the proposed exam is that it does not appear relevant to aviation in The Bahamas. The exam had been lifted from EASA, which is an aviation entity based in Europe, and bears very little resemblance to studies that the vast majority of pilots in The Bahamas have undertaken since the inception of their aviation career. The Federal Aviation Administration system in the USA has been the bedrock of aviation testing in The Bahamas for decades.”
BAOPA further argued that the policy would lead to severe disruption, explaining that canceling pilot licenses would affect Bahamians’ daily travel for work, vacation, and other purposes, as well as hinder tourism to Family Island resorts. They emphasized that financial losses could also impact aviation businesses and their families. The BAOPA also contended: “Our members object further on the basis that we believe that it is not reasonable that the aviation community should be bruised for any misstep of the CAAB. Pilots with in excess of 20 years’ experience would find themselves grounded not because of a medical or mechanical issue, but rather what seems to be flagrant and poorly executed abuse of power by CAAB.”
Responding to the controversy, Dr. Kenneth Romer, Director of Aviation & Deputy Director General of Tourism, told Eyewitness News: “Local Pilots are very valuable members community of our Aviation Community. We have asked The Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAAB) to respectfully dialogue with them to address any concerns regarding the Air Law Exam. I’m assured that this is being done. The contributions of all our aviation stakeholders matter, and collaboratively we have demonstrated a shared commitment to advancing the aviation sector. We will continue to support and intervene whenever necessary.”
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