NCAA alerts stakeholders to looming stormy weather

THE Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has alerted the aviation industry to severe weather conditions as the season begins.

Chris Najomo, the directorgeneral of NCAA, in a recent letter to industry operators, highlighted the increased risk of thunderstorms, microbursts, low-level wind shear, and heavy rain which can impact flight safety.

The rainy season begins in March in the south and along the coastal zone, April/may in the central parts of Nigeria, and June/ July in the northern parts of the country.

To ensure passenger safety, the NCAA outlined specific pre-flight actions and defined the responsibilities of various stakeholders in the aviation industry.

“Responsibility of air traffic controllers: May temporarily close airspace when hazardous weather conditions such as severe thunderstorms, squall lines microburst or low-level wind-shear are observed or forecast by Nimet.”

“Responsibility of pilot, operators: Flight crews/ operators and air traffic controllers (ATC) shall ensure adherence to aerodrome weather minima; pilots shall exercise maximum restraint whenever adverse weather is observed or forecast by Nimet; pilots/ flight crew members shall obtain adequate departure; en-route and destination weather information and briefing from Nimet Aerodrome Meteorological Offices and stations before flight operations.

“Submit pilot weather reports (PIREP) to any ATC facility or flight service when en route or by telephone after landing or by electronic submission relevant in-flight information regarding en-route conditions including turbulence, icing, visibility, temperature, and winds aloft that have the potential to cause accidents and loss of life”.