Pilot conversion exam resumes, following probe

Civil Aviation Authority  said today the ‘Pilot License Conversion’ exams have resumed in the wake of suspected examination irregularities, which are currently being investigated.

“Yes we resumed the conversion exams from last week. There have been five to six applicants, who sat the exam though I cannot confirm the exact number,” Director General H.C. Nimalasiri told Daily Mirror Online a short while ago.

The Director General said the examations were conducted with a different system installed.

"We are using a completely different system to the one that was previously used" he said

Earlier the Civil Aviation Authority’s Chief Examination Officer was suspended over allegations of ‘examination irregularities’.

“A team appointed by the Civil Aviation Ministry Secretary is investigating this matter,” Mr. Nimalasiri said.

The License Conversion Exam is mandatory for any pilot who has obtained his or her licence from a foreign country.

The Daily Mirror learns that many high profile applicants had obtained their licence during the tenure of the suspended examination officer. The issue had come to light when a batch of candidates had failed the examination despite an assurance against it. ( By Hafeel Farisz)