Follow NIMET Predictions, NCAA Warns Airlines, Pilots

 

 

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has warned airline operators and pilots to obey weather predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET, as the country is moving gradually to the early raining season, characterised by thunder storms.

 

The warning was contained in an Advisory Circular, AC, with reference no AC: NCAA-AEROMET – 27 addressed to all pilots and airline operators by the Director General, NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman, following the Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP) released for the year 2019 by NiMET.

 

The circular read in part: “NIMET has predicted March/April and May/June 2019 as the commencement of rainy season in the Southern and Northern parts of Nigeria, which is usually accompanied with turbulence. This is in addition to microburst, low-level wind share and sometimes events that could affect the safety of flight operations.

 

“With this information, it is expected that Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) may temporarily close the airspace when there are adverse weather conditions. Consequently. Flight Crews/Operators and ATCs shall ensure strict adherence to aerodrome operating minima in line with standard and recommend practices.

 

 “All pilots are therefore obliged to exercise maximum restraint whenever severe weather condition is observed or forecast by NiMET. For the purpose of safe flight operations, pilots/flight crew members should obtain adequate departure, en route and destination weather information and briefing from NiMET Aerodrome Meteorological Offices situated in all the airports prior to flight operations.”