From Maintenance to first CAAV Airworthiness Inspector: Philinah Rarua’s journey in Aviation

Apr 7, 2025 | News, Sista i Shine | 0

Graduation Photo: Ms Rarua with her best friend, also an aerospace engineering graduate. There are only three female graduates in this field from Vanuatu.

For most people, aviation is about pilots, airports, and air travel. But behind every safe flight is a team of professionals ensuring aircraft are maintained and meet strict regulatory standards. Philinah Rarua has been part of this effort for nearly a decade, moving from hands-on aircraft maintenance to a leading role in aviation oversight.

Now serving as Civil Aviation Rules (CAR) Part 135 Airworthiness Inspector at the Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu (CAAV), Rarua is the first inspector CAAV has produced in-house. This marks a major shift for the authority, which has traditionally relied on external inspectors from the Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) under the Pacific Islands Civil Aviation Safety and Security Treaty (PICASST), as well as Fiji and Papua New Guinea (PNG) under Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs).

“We do not have in-house inspectors. We collaborate with PASO and our sister states, Fiji and PNG, to carry out technical functions under agreements signed by our directors,” Rarua explained. “So, this is a first for CAAV under the current Acting Director’s leadership. Simply put, yes, I am the first inspector CAAV has produced, and certainly not the last.”

From fixing aircraft to regulating them

Rarua, who hails from Tongoa Island, began her career with a Degree in Aerospace Engineering from Airlink International Aviation College in the Philippines. She spent five years as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer before transitioning to aviation safety oversight at CAAV in 2021.

“When I joined CAAV, I was first tasked with administrative duties in airworthiness. But I had the opportunity to work with inspectors from PASO, and one in particular mentored me through these certification audits,”she said.

Rarua took on increasingly complex responsibilities, participating in audits for Vanuatu Civil Aviation Rules (VCAR) Part 21, 100, 119, 135, 121, 125, 145, and 19F. Over time, she was asked to lead sections of these audits, preparing her for a regulatory career.

“It was nerve-wracking at first, but my mentor believed in me. That experience shaped my career and led to this new role,” she said.

New role, new responsibilities

As Airworthiness Inspector, Rarua is now responsible for ensuring that piston-engine aircraft under 5,700kg meet safety standards for continued operation. She also oversees maintenance support arrangementsfor air operators under VCAR Part 135.

“We will always face challenges with limited resources—both financial and human—when it comes to aviation safety oversight,”she noted.

Handing over of the CAR Part 135 Inspector IOD from the Acting CAAV Director.

Breaking barriers in Aviation

Rarua’s appointment is a step towards reducing reliance on external regulators and building local capacity within CAAV. It also reflects the growing role of women in technical aviation fields in Vanuatu. While female pilots have gained visibility in recent years, airworthiness and safety oversight remain largely male-dominated.

“For future female aviators or women in technical fields, especially male-dominated fields, it’s important to remember that this is just another profession. Yes, we may have to work harder to be recognised, but that should never define us,” she said. “Respect yourself, stay confident, and persist.”

For Rarua, faith plays a central role in her journey. She draws strength from a Bible verse she keeps next to her work plan: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).

As she steps into her new responsibilities, Rarua remains focused on strengthening aviation safety in Vanuatu—and inspiring others to follow her path.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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