The Civil Aviation Authority - Why Bother?

Vauban

So today I received the same unsigned and impersonal email from the CAA that many others have already received. This informs me that following the publication of new guidelines on what constitute extraordinary circumstances (guidelines which, in my view, clearly contradict European law) they have referred my case back to the airline. No further correspondence will be entered into, etc.

I rang the CAA last week to ask for an update (not easy to do, as they're not picking up the phones for ongoing cases any more). They confirmed that Monarch have never responded to their requests for information. But astonishingly they didn't seem too concerned. What kind of regulator is persistently ignored by one of the companies they are meant to hold to account?

So after waiting for over 8 months, that's what I get. Way to go, CAA! Fortunately I never had faith that the CAA could be relied upon to protect my rights and interests and so started legal action against Monarch some time ago. If I hadn't I would have been no further forward.

If anyone is thinking that involving the CAA in their own case would be a positive move I urge you to manage your expectations!

Mark2spark

I'm not sure how the freedom of information act works, but i was thinking that asking the CAA how many airlines they've taken to court for non compliance would be interesting.
Especially as on Watchdog the spokesman stated that Thomsons 2 yr claim was bogus, and that the CAA interpreted it as 6 years.

steve1500

Mark2spark wrote: »

I'm not sure how the freedom of information act works, but i was thinking that asking the CAA how many airlines they've taken to court for non compliance would be interesting.
Especially as on Watchdog the spokesman stated that Thomsons 2 yr claim was bogus, and that the CAA interpreted it as 6 years.

Thats is an easy one. They would have to answer that question. I cannot think of any exemption that would apply

Mark2spark

I suppose the million dollar question, is *who* gets to take the CAA to court for failing in their duty?

Davidvgoliath

Mark2spark wrote: »

I'm not sure how the freedom of information act works, but i was thinking that asking the CAA how many airlines they've taken to court for non compliance would be interesting.
Especially as on Watchdog the spokesman stated that Thomsons 2 yr claim was bogus, and that the CAA interpreted it as 6 years.

CAA specifically noted under Freedom Of Information Act as an organisation that must comply.

So if the question is asked they must respond.

Then refer it to the Sec of State for Transport?

They are clearly not doing their job here and appear beholden to the airlines.

JPears

"Q3
In relation to cases taken under EC261/2004, the CAA use both our formal powers and informal measures to resolve compliance issues. Since August 2011, we have opened 28 enforcement cases in relation to EC261/2004. In 6 of these 28 cases we used our formal enforcement powers under Part 8 of the Enterprise Act 2002. Prior to August 2011 the CAA had never used its formal enforcement powers in relation to EC261/2004"
And are details of these enforcements available? Who, what, where, when?

JPears

And more on this by our friend CB:
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/enforcement_of_regulation_261200

All very fudged replies from CAA, IMHO. Smoke and mirrors comes to mind.....

JPears

Interesting article:
http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=KQBGqoBP-68C&pg=PA196&lpg=PA196&dq=harbord+case+Thomas+cook&source=bl&ots=Xy0K-S!!!8&sig=mfn1TRm3ILLVqsIERPe_661ejYM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=NFoTUonBFsHz0gW36oDYAg&ved=0CEoQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=harbord%20case%20Thomas%20cook&f=false

Star9272

If this doesn't work, or you aren't satisfied with the reply, you can complain to the national enforcement body [222 KB] in the EU country where the incident took place

'Aircraft moved to MAN hangar and oleo seals replaced. No previous undercarriage leak or extension issue.”

Sorry I don't understand if the incident took place in Manchester before the aircraft came to pick us up in Portugal, why won't the CAA help? They keep referring me to the NEB abroad.

111KAB

Star9272 wrote: »

Sorry I don't understand if the incident took place in Manchester before the aircraft came to pick us up in Portugal, why won't the CAA help? They keep referring me to the NEB abroad.

You have to deal with the NEB in the country where you were delayed.

Star9272

111KAB wrote: »

You have to deal with the NEB in the country where you were delayed.

Perhaps They need to change the wording then, as the incident took place in Manchester. I don't see how the NEB in Portugal will know what's been going on in Manchester grrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Which is probably why they haven't responded:doh: