Citing the fact that it’s original commuter authority was granted because the Department of Transportation found the carrier fit to fly amphibious G-73T Mallard aircraft, the department revoked Chalk’s commuter air carrier authority. The airline no longer flies the aircraft and for that reason the authority fell into dormancy. The order was issued on September 26. However, the company continues to operate under the department’s Part 298 air taxi authority.
The department noted the December 2005 accident of a Mallard, which killed 11, and the subsequent grounding of its fleet by the FAA. By January 2006, the DOT reminded Chalks that it was not meeting DOT rules which provide that once a commuter air carrier ceases its scheduled passenger operations, its commuter authority is automatically suspended and cannot resume with out a new fitness finding. The department also noted that if Chalk’s did not resume service within a year of the accident, when its Mallards ceased operations, its commuter authority would be revoked. It wasn’t until the following July that Chalk’s filed a notice of its intent to resume commuter operations, along with some of the information required by DOT for fitness determination. However, in August 2006, DOT told the carrier if failed to file an operating plan, a list of pre-operating expenses, and forecast financial statements for its proposed operations. Chalk’s responded by saying it planned to resume operations by February 2007, using the Mallards or dry-leased Saab 340As in addition to more information for its fitness review.
Last month, DOT, saying it had been more than a year since Chalk’s ceased operations, pointed out that it had neither acquired additional aircraft to place on its Operation Specifications, nor brought its G-73T Mallard aircraft into compliance with FAA requirements. It gave Chalk’s until September 13 to respond with all necessary information, which, it has yet to do. Late last month, it dismissed Chalk’s notice to resume operations and revoked the air carrier’s commuter authority.
Responding to press queries in the Bahamas, General Manager Rajan Nair, denied reports about the loss of its license. He noted the airline has been leasing 19-seat Beech 1900s since its Mallard fleet was grounded to serve the Bahamas but suspended service during the slow season. He indicated the Mallard fleet is being rebuilt and expects the unique aircraft to re-enter service next year.
"Chalk’s has not lost its license,” Nair told the Bahama Journal. “We never lost our license. We are still rebuilding our seaplanes. We have made significant progress. We’re still here. We may be behind in a lot of things, but we have not declared bankruptcy like some other airlines."