Channel Islands Air Search plane back in service

A Channel Island Air Search plane that was unable to fly due to a registration issue is now back in service.

There had been an issue relating to the aircraft's registration provider, which resulted in a decision by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ground the plane.

Updated FAA registration documentation has been received and formally placed on board the aircraft.

The voluntary service has thanked the coastguard, emergency services and wider community for their patience while the plane was grounded.

A spokesperson for the Guernsey-based charity said: "Relevant authorities, including the Guernsey and Jersey Coastguards, along with our volunteer aircrew, have been notified that the aircraft is once again fully available for tasking."

In 2025 the service was called on 26 times which is an average of one call every 14 days.

This is lower than 2024 when the service was called out 32 times.

There are currently 19 crew members including pilots who collectively gave 2,070 hours of voluntary service in 2025.

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