The Hovercraft (General) Order 1972

Revocation etc., of Certificates etc., and power to prevent hovercraft being used

15.—(1) The CAA may, if it thinks fit, provisionally suspend or vary any Certificate, approval or other document issued, granted or having effect under this part of this Order, pending inquiry into or consideration of the case. Without prejudice to Article 10(3) or 11(4), the CAA may, on sufficient ground being shown to its satisfaction after due inquiry, revoke, suspend or vary any such Certificate, approval or other document.

(2) The holder or any person having the possession or custody of any Certificate, approval or other document which has been revoked, suspended or varied under this Part of this Order shall surrender it to the CAA within a reasonable time after being required to do so by it.

(3) The breach of any condition subject to which any Certificate, approval or other document, has been granted or issued, or which has effect under this Order shall render the document invalid during the continuance of the breach.

(4) If it appears likely to the CAA that a hovercraft is intended or likely to be used—

(a) in such circumstances that any conditions on which the Safety Certificate has been granted are breached:

(b) whilst the approved maintenance arrangements are not adhered to;

(c) whilst materially damaged; or

(d) in such circumstances that the CAA has reason to believe that the hovercraft is or may be unsafe;

the CAA may direct the operator or the captain of the hovercraft that he is not to permit the hovercraft to make the particular journey or any other journey of such description as may be specified in the direction, until the direction has been revoked by the CAA, and the CAA may take such steps as are necessary to detain the hovercraft for a period not exceeding seven days.

(5) In the event of the CAA provisionally suspending any Certificate, approval or other document under paragraph (1), or detaining a hovercraft under paragraph (4) above, the CAA shall, within 48 hours, send to the holder of such certificate, approval or other document a statement in writing of its reasons.

(6) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this Article any document incorporated by reference in any Certificate may be varied on sufficient ground being shown to the satisfaction of the CAA, whether or not after due inquiry.