The Federal Government yesterday read the riot act to pilots, reiterating they must obtain and confirm their destination weather reports from the Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) before take-off and landing.
The Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, explained that the government was compelled to take the position, because it has been observed lately that only Flight Dispatchers go to the AIS to obtain Meteorological Folders without the pilots getting the briefings.
She said this accounts for why aircraft take off and get to their destinations but are unable to land.
Oduah said the recklessness on the part of airline operators and pilots will no longer be tolerated, vowing that infractions will be met with serious sanctions.
According to the Minister: " Henceforth, all Airline Operators and Pilots are required to obtain and confirm their destination weather reports from the AIS before start-up and take-off according to international standard and best practices in order to prevent incidents of avoidable air returns due to unfavorable weather condition.
"There is, therefore, absolutely no reason and justification for an aircraft to make an air return on the basis of poor weather condition since initial weather report from the AIS would have been adequate to indicate the futility of an initial take-off under such harsh weather conditions. "
She also denied government is contemplating selling off the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria.
Oduah, in a statement said:" Those circulating this malicious rumor have clearly ulterior motives that are not in tandem with the current administration's desire and determination to reposition the college as a premier aviation training institute on the African continent.
"The speculation is only intended to malign and distract the management of the college from its clear objective of repositioning the college as a veritable source of manpower development and recruitment for the aviation industry in Nigeria."
http://www.thenationonlineng.net
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment