The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued an advisory circular to pilots about the hazards associated with the current hamattan dust haze prevailing in some parts of the country.
Spokesman for NCAA, Mr. Sam Adurogboye said in a press statement that the current circular invalidates the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) Advisory Circular AC: NCAA – AEROMET 21 dated April 1, 2016.
However, he said the current circular is in line with the forecast earlier made by NIMET which has indicated the occurrence of moderate to severe outbreaks of dust during the period of November 2016 – March 2017 in the country.
“Aerodrome visibility may fall below the prescribed minima and in severe conditions dust haze could blot out runway, markers and airfield lighting over wide areas making visual navigation extremely difficult or impossible.
“Where terminal visibility falls below the prescribed weather minima, flights are bound to be delayed, diverted or cancelled, the circular further indicated,” said Adurogboye.
Pilots are therefore directed to ensure that adequate departure, en – route and destination weather information and briefings are obtained from NIMET prior to flight operations.
They are also advised to exercise maximum restraint when adverse weather is observed or forecast by NIMET.
Besides, pilots are advised to ensure that flight operations are scheduled with adequate input from NIMET to minimize delay or cancellation of flight operations.
“While pleading with the travelling public for understanding and not to be lawless should the situation arises and flight has to be delayed or cancelled, the flight crew are asked to adhere strictly to the prescribed weather minima for each of the airports, as violation would be viewed seriously,” said Adurogboye.
He said the current circular is in line with the forecast earlier made by NIMET which has indicated the occurrence of moderate to severe outbreaks of dust during the period of November 2016 – March 2017 in the country.
