Adverse weather: NCAA warns pilots to adhere strictly to NIMET briefings

 

… urges passengers to show understanding over cancelled flights

BY FOLASHADE KEHINDE

THE Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has issued an advisory circular to Pilots, Airline Operators as well as air passengers, drawing their attention to heavy fog and severe dust, which may reduce visibility to “below airport operating minimal.”

Spokesman and General Manager, Public Relations, NCAA, Sam Adurogboye, who said this, warned that early morning fog might also be experienced at this period, especially along coastal areas.

He noted that air traffic controllers might temporarily close airspace when hazardous weather conditions were observed or forecasted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.

The agency advised passengers to exercise restraint and show understanding this yuletide period as flights might be cancelled or rescheduled on account of weather situations.

It also noted that pilots/flight crew members must obtain adequate departure, en-route and destination weather information and briefing from NIMET Aerodrome Offices prior to flight operations.

NCAA said, “Air Traffic Controllers may temporarily close airspace when hazardous weather conditions such as heavy fog or severe dust haze reducing the visibility to below airport operating minimal are observed or forecasted by Nigerian Meteorological Agency.

“Pilots/Flight Crew Members shall obtain adequate departure, en-route and destination weather information and briefing from NIMET Aerodrome Offices prior to flight operations.”

“Pilots shall exercise maximum restraint whenever adverse weather is observed or forecast by NIMET and briefed passengers accordingly. Travelling public are however urged to exercise restraint and show understanding in this yuletide month as flights may be delayed or cancelled on account of weather situations,” it added.