Thomas, 59, was charged late last month with flying a Cessna float plane into Singapore without a valid certificate of airworthiness. -- ST PHOTO: LIM SIN THAI

AUSTRALIAN pilot Rhys Henry Thomas has failed again to get the court's nod to leave Singapore to attend to personal matters.

His application for leave jurisdiction was made on Monday and dismissed on Tuesday by District Judge John Ng.

Thomas, 59, was charged late last month with flying a Cessna float plane into Singapore on Jan 22 without a duly issued and valid certificate of airworthiness.

Two Republic of Singapore Air Force fighter jets escorted his plane to Changi Airport, which had to close for 50 minutes amid security fears.

Thomas claimed trial after his representations were turned down by the prosecution.

A nine-day hearing is due to start on March 31.

Out on $10,000 bail, Thomas first applied to leave the country on Feb 28 to visit his 83-year-old mother in a medical centre in Australia. Judge Ng turned down his application.

He applied again on Monday, citing financial loss if he continues to remain here, besides compassionate grounds.

In rejecting the application, Judge Ng said that the parties were ready, and the trial was scheduled in less than a week.

'It would be in the interest of all parties that the case be resolved expeditiously,' he said.

'The accused clearly does not have any roots here. He does not have anything here that can be seen as a compelling reason for him to come back after returning home.'