Lynn Lau
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Oct 07/02) - Inuvik air carrier Arctic Wings is grounded again.

The company had been flying on a restricted air operators certificate since Aug. 26.

The visual flight rules-only restriction meant Arctic Wings pilots could not fly in inclement weather or under instrument flight rules.

But on Oct. 3, that certificate was suspended as Transport Canada inspectors conducted a further audit on the company's operations.

Inuvik RCMP are assisting with the investigation and Thursday said Arctic Wings is facing at least two possible charges under the federal Aeronautics Act for making false records and for wilful obstruction.

Earlier this year, Arctic Wings was grounded for a month, from July 26 to Aug. 26, for unspecified records-keeping violations.

Co-owner Carl Falsnes said last week he doesn't know what the problem is this time, and he's still deciding what to do with the company in the meantime.

Passengers have been directed to contact Inuvik's other air carriers.

Falsnes said there were people stranded on the tundra last week, but he doesn't know how many or where, because his records have been seized.

"We have advised the RCMP that we don't know where they are, who they are, and when they're supposed to be picked up, because we don't have that information. It's been taken from us."

RCMP in Inuvik said they're still gathering information from Transport Canada to try to find out where travellers might be.

Winnipeg-based spokesperson Susan McLennan said Arctic Wings has been informed of the reason for the suspension, but that information is not generally released to the public.

"We have been monitoring the company closely," said McLennan.

"Any time that Transport Canada identifies a possible threat to aviation safety, we will take immediate action to protect the travelling public. This is a normal part of our operations."