Tonga's Civil Aviation Department is yet to approve the operation of the new helicopter from Australia because of non-compliance with license requirements.
The Acting CEO of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Pesalili Tu'iano confirmed this to Radio Tonga News today.
The helicopter is owned by Australian pilot, Rodger McCutcheon who plans to start a rescue operation service in the island kingdom.
Tu’iano said the civil aviation department has had talks with the Australian pilot regarding the operations of the helicopter. He couldn’t confirm if the helicopter will be returned to Australia or given to Samoa