Nigeria regulator warns pilots, airline operators on weather hazard

Lagos, Nigeria (PANA) - The regulatory Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued an advisory circular to pilots and airline operators in the country over the dangers posed by adverse weather in the nation's airspace, occasioned by the current rainy season.

“We are in the mid-stream of the rainy season, which is usually characterised by severe thunderstorm, attendant turbulence, micro-busts, lightning and low-level wind-shear. Suffice it to say that such weather conditions can be deadly to aircraft on approach or departure from an airport and have been responsible for a number of fatal accidents in the world and in our country,” NCAA boss Harold Demuren said in the circular.

“It is, therefore, mandatory for pilots to obtain weather briefing from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, including departure, en-route and destination weather information prior to flight operations. You are required to ensure strict compliance with the laid down regulations,” Demuren said.

The circular urged pilots to exercise restraint when adverse weather is observed or forecast, and be patient enough to wait and allow it subdue or pass over the airfield before commencing flights.

The 3 June plane crash on the outskirts of Nigeria's commercial city of Lagos, which killed 159 people, has increased safety concerns by regulators, airlines and the general public.
-0- PANA SEG 5July2012