NCAA ADVISES PILOTS AND AIRLINE OPERATORS TO EXERCISE CAUTION OVER HAZARDOUS WEATHER IN DRY SEASON 02-11-23
By Sadiq Aminu The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has advised Pilots and Airline Operators to exercise caution over hazardous weather in dry season.
The advise is contained in a statement signed by the Director General, Civil Aviation, Captain Musa Nuhu.
According to him, reports from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) shown the possibility of deterioration in visibility as a result of observed dust haze propagated into the country from the source region.
This information he says, is intended to alert pilots about the nature of weather associated with dry season in Nigeria ranging from light, moderate to severe dust haze and sometimes early morning fog which can sometimes reduce the horizontal visibility to below the aerodrome operating minima.
Members of the public are to take necessary precaution during this time in the planning of their trips so as not to encounter unnecessary flight delays.
Captain Nuhu said, all Pilots, Operators and Air Traffic Controllers are obliged to abide by safety requirements when hazardous weather is observed, this includes closure of the airspace by Air Traffic Controllers, strict adherence to published aerodrome weather minima and pilots and flight crews are to obtain adequate departure, en-route and destination weather information and briefing from NIMET Aerodrome Meteorological Office Stations prior to flight operations.
The NCAA also urged operators to ensure that all necessary measures are put in place to cushion the effects of delay or cancellations on their passengers.
While the Authority calls on all passengers to exercise patience and understanding during this period as their safety is of utmost importance, Airline operators and stakeholders are also advised to avail themselves of weather reports for effective planning in their operations as violations would be viewed seriously.