The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has called on pilots and airline operators to exercise extreme caution during flight operations in the face of falling rain.
NCAA’s warning is contained in a statement issued in Lagos and signed by its spokesman, Mr. Sam Adurogboye.
“The rainy season which is torrential, is prevalent in the southern and northern parts of Nigeria. It is usually accompanied by severe thunderstorms which could impact the safety of flight operations.
“There are many other hazardous weather occurrences such as severe turbulence, microburst or low level wind-shear and occasionally hail events are bound to affect air navigation.
“The Regulatory Authority therefore directs all Pilots to recourse to utmost restraint whenever adverse weather is observed or forecast by Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
“Pilots and Flight Crews shall mandatorily obtain adequate, en route and destination weather information and briefing from NiMet Aerodrome Meteorological offices before flight operations.
“In the same vein, Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) and flight crews/operators shall ensure total compliance with all aerodromes operating minima.
“It is quite important for all intending air travellers and airline operators to note that in line with Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs) ATCs may temporarily close airspace during inclement weather conditions.
“These are adverse weather conditions such as severe thunderstorms, squall lines microburst or low level wind-shear as observed or forecast by NiMet,” said Adurogboye.
