The Federal Government has imposed restrictions on licensed flight crew personnel, confining their operational activities to a single airline.
As articulated by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), this resolution became essential following revelations that pilots and other crew members were providing their services to multiple airlines.
The NCAA characterized this practice as unlawful, thus necessitating the prohibition of pilots and crew from engaging with multiple airlines concurrently.
This development is documented in a circular NCAA/DGCA/AOL dated November 6, 2024, and endorsed by the Acting Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo.
The circular elucidates that instances in which pilots operate for more than one airline simultaneously pose significant safety hazards.
It further asserts that the license granted to pilots or any member of the flight crew is specific to the operator, predicated on the approved Standard 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 this Directive, all operators and holders of pilot license are informed that this 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
