By Chinelo Obogo
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a notice, barring licensed flight crew members from operating multiple airlines.
The Authority, in a circular dated November 6th 2024 and signed by its Acting Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, said that investigations have revealed that pilots and other crew members render services to different airlines, declaring it illegal.
The NCAA stated that there have been instances where pilots operate for more than one airline concurrently, insisting that this action is a safety risk. It said the licence issued to a 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 adhoc flight operations for multiple airlines’, said; “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 November 6, such an 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 henceforth will be tied to the Operator. Please comply accordingly,” the Authority said.