The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has extended the suspension of flight training operations at Topflite Academy of Aviation Inc. (TAAI) following an aircraft incident involving one of its training planes near Iba Airport in Zambales on 11 July 2025. The incident involved a Cessna 172 aircraft with tail number RP-C2211 during a routine training flight at approximately 0931H PhST. Onboard were a flight instructor and three student pilots, all of whom were reported safe and immediately provided medical attention. Initially, CAAP imposed a seven-day suspension on TAAI’s operations as a precautionary measure while investigations were being conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board (AAIIB). However, the authority has now deemed it necessary to extend the suspension until the inquiry is completed and all safety and compliance concerns are fully addressed.
In line with the ongoing investigation, CAAP has summoned TAAI’s Quality Manager, Safety Manager, flight instructor, student pilots, and other key personnel to submit detailed reports and documentation related to the incident. CAAP emphasized that these steps are crucial to preserving the independence and integrity of the investigation, which seeks to determine any lapses in safety protocols or training standards.
CAAP Director General, retired Lt. Gen. Raul Del Rosario, highlighted the importance of the extended suspension, citing the need to safeguard the future of aspiring aviators and uphold the integrity of aviation training institutions. He reiterated that all flight schools must strictly adhere to established safety protocols and regulatory standards to maintain public trust in the Philippine aviation industry.
The CAAP assured the public and aviation stakeholders that strict oversight remains in place to ensure safe, responsible, and compliant operations across all pilot training institutions. This latest development highlights the critical need for continuous regulatory scrutiny to maintain confidence in the country’s air safety standards.