The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has constituted a five-man panel to hear the appeal filed by First Nation Airways.
The airline lodged the appeal following a fine of N33.5 million the NCAA imposed on it for alleged violation of safety regulations.
This was contained in a letter written to the airline on May 9, 2017, with reference number NCAA/DG/CSLA/RM/1-06/17/163.
The airline was informed that the panel had considered their request and fixed June 13 and 14, 2017 as the new dates for definite hearing and determination of the appeal.
“During the hearing, the appeal panel may, at its discretion, allow time for oral submissions if deemed necessary,” said NCAA.
It would be recalled that FNA and one of its pilots were fined N32 million and N1.5 million naira respectively for violation of safety regulations in November, last year.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has fined First Nation Airways (FNA) and one of its pilots a total of N33.5 million for contravening safety regulations
In a letter conveying the penalties, the carrier was ordered to pay a sum of N32, 000,000 while the pilot-in-command was fined N1, 500,000.
NCAA had said that the pilot operated 16 scheduled flights between November 2 and 8 2016 with expired medical certificate which invariably rendered his pilot’s licence invalid.
During a ramp inspection on Airbus A319 aircraft marked 5N-FNE at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), NCAA discovered that the pilot-in-command was not in personal possession of a current medical certificate neither was it readily accessible.
NCAA said the pilot admitted violating the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs) while the airline demonstrated lack of thorough knowledge of the requirements of the Regulations.
“The airline has contravened the Regulations by allowing a flight crew member to be rostered to operate a total of 16 scheduled flights on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th and 8th November, 2016.
“These operations were carried out while his medical certificate had expired since on the 1st November, 2016, thereby rendering his pilot’s licence subsequently invalid from that date.
“In light of these, the airline is hereby sanctioned in accordance with IS 1.3.3 (14) while the Pilot suffered similar fate in line with IS 1.3.3 (11) (15) (e), in lieu of suspension under IS 1.3.3(11) (15) (a) of the Nig.CARs 2015.
“On this strength, the airline is required to pay a total sum of N32,000,000 while the pilot will pay N1.5 million being moderate civil penalty for the violation,” said NCAA.