By Emmanuel Nduka
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has cautioned Pilots over severe thunderstorms and other hazardous weather conditions which hamper flight operations, as the rains get heavier.
The warning issued by the Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Musa Nuhu on Wednesday, is a follow up to the Advisory Circular with reference no AC: NCAA-AEROMET – 31, addressed to all Pilots and Airline Operators.
This is coming on the advent of the Seasonal Climate Prediction, SCP, released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet for the year 2021.
NiMet had predicted early/late March as the commencement of rainy season in the Southern states, while late April/June 2021 was predicted for the commencement of rainy season in Central and Northern parts of Nigeria.
“Consequently, this weather advisory circular is necessary to bring forth the evolving weather information associated with commencement of rainy season and the effects on safety and efficiency of flight operations; and to elicit cooperation of the following stakeholders to ensure safety air transport at all times.
“Therefore, Pilots, Operators and Air Traffic Controllers Pilots are directed to observe series of responsibilities enumerated below forthwith:
“Air Traffic Controllers may temporarily close the airspace when any of the conditions in (1) are observed or forecast by NIMET;
“Flight Crews/Operators and Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) to ensure adherence to published aerodrome weather minima;
“Pilots to exercise maximum restraint whenever adverse weather is observed or forecast by NIMET; and
“Pilots/Flight Crew members to obtain adequate departure, en-route and destination weather information and briefing from NIMET Aerodrome Meteorological Offices prior to flight operations,” Capt. Nuhu said.
The NCAA further enjoined all passengers to exercise patience and understanding during the period of heavy downpour, adding that stakeholders who fail to comply to the warnings would face maximum sanctions.
