The Nigeria civil aviation authority, NCAA, has sent serious warnings to pilots, operators, and air traffic controllers over severe thunderstorms and other hazardous weather conditions as the rains are here.
The NCAA gave the warning in an advisory circular to operators, pilots and air traffic controllers signed by Director-General Captain Musa Nuhu said the warning became necessary following the seasonal climate prediction released by NIMET for the year 2021.
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Nuhu stressed that the warning is necessary to also inform those concerned of the evolving weather associated with the rainy season and its effects on the safety and efficiency of flight operations as well as seek the cooperation of the stakeholders to ensure the safety of air transport at all times.
Operators, pilots and traffic controllers are directed to observe series of responsibilities as stated by the NCAA.
This includes that air traffic controllers may temporarily close the airspace when any of the conditions forecast by NIMET are observed pilots are to exercise maximum restraint whenever adverse weather is observed.
Pilots/flight crew members are to obtain adequate departure, en route, and destination weather information and briefing.
The NCAA appealed to passengers to exercise patience and understanding during this period of heavy downpour, as the agency expects strict compliance as maximum sanction shall be imposed for noncompliance.
(Editor: Abaje Usekwe)
