By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Federal Government has explained why it is prohibiting licensed flight crew members from operating multiple airlines.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) issued the restriction in a circular issued on Monday stressing that its findings showed that pilots and other crew members render services to different airlines.
According to the circular NCAA/DGCA/AOL dated November 9th 2024 and signed by the Ag. Director-General, Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, declared the act as illegal.
The circular noted that there are instances where pilots operate for more than one airline, and concurrently pose risk to safety.
It said the licence issued to pilot or any member of the flight crew is operator specific based on the approved Standards Operating Procedures (SOPs).
The circular issued to Accountable Managers/Director of Flight Operations and Chief Pilots titled, “PROHIBITION OF AD-HOC FLIGHT OPERATIONS FOR MULTIPLE AIRLINES” read: “It has come to the notice of the authority through our surveillance reports that licensed flight crew members utilize the privileges simulators and proficiency checks endersed on their license to operate for multiple airlines.
“The Flight Simulator Training Device/facility approved by the Authority si operator specific based on the training program and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for such an operator.
“Instances where pilots operate for more than one arline concurrently without safety considerations of such actions poses a safety risk to the industry.”
The CAA stated that with effect from the date of issuance of the Directive, all operators and holders of pilot license are informed that the inappropriate action will be treated as a violation of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.
“The Authority wil take appropriate enforcement action on violators of this directive, affective from 11th November, 2024.
“Simulator renewals from henceforih will be tied to the Operator. Please comply accordingly,” the circular added.
