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Tag: NCAA

  • Reps probe NCAA, others over planes’ airworthiness

    Reps probe NCAA, others over planes’ airworthiness

    The House of Representatives yesterday mandated its Committee on Aviation to investigate the activities of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigeria Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

    The investigation, the House said, is to ascertain whether  the regulatory agencies have lived up to their responsibilities of ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft flying in the country.

    The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of the prayers of  a motion with the title: “Need Regulatory Authorities to Conduct Routine Checks on the State of Aircrafts Operating in the Nigerian Airspace and make Public the Reports”  moved by a member, Hon. Sergius Ose Ogun.

    While moving the motion, Ogun said notwithstanding the establishment of the regulatory agencies and the range of functions they were mandated to carry out, the frequency of air crashes in the country called to question the expertise and competence of these regulatory agencies.

    He said: “If a thorough investigation of the activities of airline operators are carried out with a view to ascertaining the airworthiness of aircraft operating in the country, it will help in no small measure to minimise the frequency of air crashes and also significantly improve the ratings of the Nigerian aviation sector globally.

  • NCAA expresses worry over increase in flight cancellation

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has expressed concern over increasing spate of flight cancellations by domestic carriers .

    The regulatory agency stated that several reports from the Consumer Protection Officers (CPOs) and aggrieved passengers have inundated its offices from across the nation’s airports.

    A statement signed by the general manager public relations of NCAA, Sam Adurogboye noted that though the regulatory authority is aware of the prevailing challenges as regards aviation fuel, it is expected that the airlines should follow strictly the requirements of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) in carrying out their operations.

    Adurogboye said the circumstances should not open a window for outright impunity and a flurry of cancellations which has consequently rendered air travel in the country a nightmarish experience.

    He said: “All Airline Operators are therefore warned to adhere to the Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs) while dealing with passengers. Many of whom have parted with their hard earned cash in return for comfort and value while commuting to their destinations.

    “Therefore sufficient notice must be accorded all intending passengers prior to any operational cancellation.

    “Where there is a delay in the service, passengers must be duly informed and light refreshment provided.”

    Adurugboye advised operators to ensure that tickets are not sold to air travelers when there are perceived or real hitches concerning sourcing of aviation fuel (Jet A1).

    He observed that while NCAA is not unmindful of the efforts being made by the airlines to avoid operational hiccups, passengers are similarly enjoined to exercise restraint and cooperate with airline officials during eventualities.

    According to him, it is noteworthy that the federal government of Nigeria is already taking measures that would ameliorate the paucity of Jet A1.These steps would guarantee availability and allow operators provide adequate services.

    “However, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) wishes to reiterate that all airlines should henceforth guard against frequent flight cancellations that will jeopardise the conditions of carriage agreed with the passengers.
    The authority has therefore intensified monitoring at all the nation’s airports.

    Subsequently, any unjustifiable or avoidable flight cancellation will be viewed with utmost seriousness and where culpability is established very stiff sanctions will be applied”, the NCAA spokesman noted

     

  • NCAA to sanction illegal drone operators for airspace violation

    NCAA to sanction illegal drone operators for airspace violation

    •Issues safety guidelines

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned against the proliferation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), otherwise called drones, in the airspace.

    The NCAA said the use of drones without approval/ permit in the Nigerian airspace constitutes a threat to safety,

    It, however, issued safety guidelines on use of the equipment without permission.

    Spokesman for NCAA, Sam Adurogboye, in a statement yesterday,  said RPA/UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) are being deployed for commercial and recreational purposes in the country without adequate security clearance.

    He noted that with the preponderance of these operations, particularly in a non– segregated airspace, there has to be proactive safety guidelines.

    “The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is yet to publish Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), as far as certification and operation of civil use of RPA is concerned.

    He noted that the NCAA put in place Regulations/Advisory Circular to guide the certification and operations of civil RPA in the airspace.

    “This is contained in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs 2015 Part 8.8.1.33) and Implementing Standards (Nig.CARs 2015 Part IS.8.8.1.33).

    “Therefore, no government agency, organisation or an individual will launch an RPA/UAV in the Nigerian airspace for any purpose whatsoever without obtaining requisite approvals/permit from the NCAA and Office of National Security Adviser (NSA).”

    Adurogboye reiterated that applicants and holders of permits to operate RPA/Drones must be guided by safety guidelines.

    In addition, he said operators must ensure strict compliance with conditions stipulated in their permits and the requirements of the Nig.CARs.

    Violators shall be sanctioned.

  • Airspace violation: NCAA to sanction illegal drone operators

    • Issues safety guidelines

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned over growing proliferation of the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), otherwise known as drones in the airspace.
    The NCAA said the useof drones without approval/ permit in the Nigerian airspace constitutes threat to safety,
    It  has,  however, issued safety guidelines over the use of the equipment in the airspace without permission.
    Spokesman for NCAA, Sam Adurogboye in a statement yesterday  said in recent times, RPA/UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) are being deployed for commercial and recreational purposes in the country without adequate security
    clearance.
    He noted that with the preponderance of these operations particularly in a non – segregated airspace, there has to be proactive safety guidelines.
    The authority further stated that the development of the use of RPA nationwide has emerged with somewhat predictable safety concerns and security threats.
    He said: “The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is yet to publish Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), as far as certification and operation of civil use of RPA is concerned.”
    He noted that the NCAA has therefore put in place Regulations/Advisory Circular to guide the certification and operations of civil RPA in the Nigerian airspace.
    “This is contained in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs 2015 Part 8.8.1.33) and Implementing
    Standards (Nig.CARs 2015 Part IS.8.8.1.33).
    “Therefore no government agency, organisation or an individual will launch an RPA/UAV in the Nigerian airspace for any purpose whatsoever without obtaining requisite approvals/permit from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority
    (NCAA) and Office of National Security Adviser (NSA),” he added.
    Adurogboye reiterate that all applicants and holders of permits to operate RPA/Drones must strictly be guided by safety guidelines.
    In addition, he said operators must ensure strict compliance with the conditions stipulated in their permits and the requirements of the Nig.CARs.
    Violators shall be sanctioned according to the dictates of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.

  • AON to pay NCAA’s unremitted funds

    AON to pay NCAA’s unremitted funds

    Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has pledged to ensure that all outstanding debts are paid to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) as agreed.

    The pledge was made yesterday in Lagos during a meeting between the management of the regulatory authority led by its Director-General, Capt. Muhtar Usman and the operators at the NCAA Conference Room.

    Meggison said it is incontrovertible that operators are heavily indebted but promised that all unremitted funds will be fully paid.

  • NCAA, police to arraign passenger for smoking

    An unruly passenger found smoking on board an aircraft contrary to civil aviation regulations has been handed over to the police for prosecution.

    The spokesman of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Sam Adurogboye made this known yesterday.

    The passenger (name withheld), according to him,  was onboard a South African Airways 060 from Johannesburg to Lagos.

    He was alleged to be smoking on board the aircraft in contravention of Section 58 of the Civil Aviation Act 2006, Part.17.97.2 (a) and (c) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulation 2012 (Nig.CARs).

    Adurogboye said NCAA and the Police have pledged to collaborate to ensure adequate investigation of the incident before prosecution.

    He said: “In line with Part 20.2.3.42 of the Nig.CARs, the stipulated penalty for smoking on board an aircraft is imprisonment of not less than two months.

    “It is important to note that according to the regulations, all airlines should and must as part of pre-flight formalities announce that smoking is prohibited anywhere in the cabin, including the toilet.

    ‘’This culprit, however, failed to adhere to this warning. Therefore, the NCAA will collaborate with the Police to ensure prosecution.

    ‘’The NCAA is committed to follow this case to its logical conclusion to serve as a deterrent to others.

    “In addition, our Directorate of Consumer Protection (DCP) has been strengthened to ensure passengers get full value for their money and comfort.”

  • NCAA, Police to prosecute unruly passenger

    An unruly passenger who resorted to smoking on board an aircraft in abeyance to civil aviation regulations has been handed over to the police for prosecution.
    The spokesman of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Sam Adurogboye disclosed this on Sunday.
    According to him, the passenger (name withheld), who was on board a South African Airways 060 from Johannesburg to Lagos was alleged to be smoking on board the aircraft in contravention of Section 58 of the Civil Aviation Act 2006, Part.17.97.2 (a) and (c) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulation 2012 (Nig.CARs).
    Information on the incident, Adurogboye said  was contained in correspondences between the Authority and the Nigeria Police Force pledging to collaborate to ensure adequate investigation preceding the prosecution.
    He said: “In line with Part 20.2.3.42 of the Nig.CARs, the stipulated penalty for smoking on board an aircraft is imprisonment of not less than two months.
    It is important to note that according to the Regulations, all airlines should and must as part of pre-flight formalities announce that smoking is prohibited anywhere in the cabin including the toilet.
    ”This culprit however, failed to adhere to this warning.Therefore; the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will collaborate with the Police to ensure prosecution.
    ”The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is committed to follow this case to its logical conclusion to serve as a deterrence to others who possess the penchant to flout the Authority’s regulations.
    ”In addition, our Directorate of Consumer Protection (DCP) has been strengthened to ensure passengers get full value for their money and comfort,” he said.

  • NCAA reads riot act to airlines over unremitted funds 

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed all airlines operating in the country to forward in full unremitted funds accruable to the Authority without further delay.

    Investigations reveal that the funds run into the tune of over N6 billion.

    This directive was handed down at a meeting with the operators on non-remittance of five per cent Ticket, Cargo and Charter Sales Charges (TSA/TCA) held at the Authority’s Headquarters Annex in Lagos.

    The Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman presided over the meeting.

    According to Usman the directive is with regards to the five per cent TSA/TCA collected at source from the air passengers by the airlines on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    These sales charges, he said is to enable all aviation agencies carry out their responsibilities of providing safe, secure and efficient regulatory services for the overall benefits of all aviation stakeholders.

    He said:” It is imperative that all unremitted funds must be forwarded in full to the NCAA immediately. The airlines must desist from using these funds ‘’held in trust’’;

    The ongoing five per cent Ticket/Cargo/Charter/Sales Charges automation of payments which offers real-time transparent transactions must be completed within two (2) months.

    “This will remove endless reconciliation of data and reduce high debt profile of Airlines to NCAA;

    “Reconciliation of all outstanding debts must be completed within sixty (60) days;

    “The five per cent Ticket/ Cargo/ Sales Charges must be On Gross Ticket excluding VAT and Passenger Service Charge (PSC) only;

    “All airlines must provide to the Authority the breakdown of the recently introduced ‘Taxes+Fees’’ component on all passenger tickets which include the amount due to each Government Agency.

    “This include: FAAN -Passenger Service Charge (PSC); Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) – five per cent  VAT; and NCAA  five per cent Ticket Sales Charges (TSC)

    “Any add-on charge, surcharge or any other miscellaneous added on passenger ticket must be approved by the Authority before applying these charges on passenger tickets.”

  • U.S team begins audit of Lagos airport

    A four-man team from the Transportation Security Administration in United States arrived Nigeria on Wednesday to begin a security audit of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

    The five- day security audit, according to the spokesman of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Sam Adurogboye, is in line with TSA security procedures.

    The audit covers examination of airport operations and standards, quality control, access control point at the airport and measures relating to aircraft maintenance.

    Other areas include – passenger and baggage screening, cargo mailing, catering services and screening equipment, Airport Contingency Plan (ACP) and Airport Security Programme (ASP).

    The team led by Transportation Security Specialist (TSS) was at the Aviation House to brief the Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Muhtar Usman, on the exercise.

    According to him, they would in the course of the exercise observe the implementation of aviation security measures  at MMIA and exchange technical expertise in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 17 and International Aviation Security Standard and Best Practices.

     

  • NCAA suspends Bristow’s Sikorsky helicopters for audit

    NCAA suspends Bristow’s Sikorsky helicopters for audit

    UE to their frequent crashes, all Sikorsky S-76++ aircraft in Bristow Helicopter’s fleet have been suspended from flying until further notice by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

    The suspension is to enable NCAA audit on Bristow’s operations, with emphasis on its Sikorsky S-76C++ aircraft.

    One of such aircraft landed on water on Wednesday, with all those aboard rescued.

    Another crashed in Lagos last August 12, killing the pilot, co-pilot and four passengers on board.

    At a briefing in Lagos yesterday, NCAA Director-General, Muhtar Usman said it had become important to stem the frequent occurrences and ensure the airline carries out safe operations.

    The suspension, he said, would not affect investigations into Wednesday’s crash by the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB).

    Usman said the recurring Bristow Helicopters accidents would also not affect next month’s safety audit to be done on Nigeria by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

    He said: “I must mention that this suspension of the operations for the impending wholesale audit is not a vote of no confidence on the airline. It is to ascertain the adequacy and the propriety of the operating aircraft.”

    This action, he added, is not new to the industry, but one of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) all over the world.

    NCAA, Usman said, would continue to carry out safe and secure operations, adding: “These decisions are without prejudice to the investigations being conducted by AIB. As a matter of fact, it will serve to assist in the entire process. The Authority will fully support AIB in the investigation. Therefore, the regulatory authority views with utmost seriousness the successive mishaps of Bristow Helicopters operating aircraft SikorskyS-76C++ on the coastal waters of Lagos.

    “If you may recall, in August, 2015, a Bristow Helicopter operated Sikorsky S-76 series crashed around Oworonsoki axis in Lagos.

    “What this means is that yesterday’s (Wednesday’s) incident is occurring a little over six months after the preceding one.

    “Therefore as a responsible regulatory authority, it is important to stem the rapidity of occurrence and ensure the airline carry out safe operations.

    Also in a statement yesterday, Bristow confirmed that NCAA has advised it to temporarily stop operation of the Sikorsky S-76++ aircraft.

    The statement reads:” We are continuing to cooperate fully with NCAA and AIB in its investigation concerning the Bristow helicopter that was involved in the controlled water landing near Lagos on Wednesday.”