NCAA cautions pilots, airline operators against weather

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has warned pilots and airline operators to observe safety precautions in line with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations in adverse weather conditions.

The warning was contained in an advisory circular to all pilots and airline operators, signed by NCAA DirectorGeneral Capt Muhtar Usman.

The NCAA General Manager, Public Relations, Sam Adurogboye, in a statement explained that the circular became imperative as the rainfall cessation would likely herald a long and severe dust haze in the months ahead.

“With this information, pilots are expected to be cautious and uphold standard and recommended practices while conducting flights during hazardous weather associated with dust haze at this period. This haze comes with - a dry and dusty wind that blows southwards from the Sahara across Nigeria in the months of November to March.

“Consequently, pilots should note that air-to-ground visibility may be considerably reduced due to the dust haze. In addition, aerodrome visibility may fall below the prescribed minima and in severe conditions; dust haze can blot out runways, the markers and airfield lightings over wide areas. This makes visual navigation extremely difficult or impossible. However, where visibility falls below the prescribed weather minima, flight operations are expected to be delayed, diverted or outright cancelled,” he stated.

The NCAA advised all pilots to exercise maximum restraint especially when severe weather condition is observed or forecasted by the NIMET.