By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
The Federal Government has prohibited licensed flight crew members from operating multiple airlines concurrently.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) came up with this restriction with the discovery that pilots and other crew members were providing services to different airlines.
In a circular (NCAA/DGCA/AOL) dated Nov. 6, 2024, and signed by the Acting Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, this practice was declared illegal.
The circular emphasized that operating for more than one airline at the same time poses significant safety risks.
It stated that the license granted to a pilot or any flight crew member is specific to an operator and based on the approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
The circular was issued to Accountable Managers/Director of Flight Operations and Chief Pilots titled, “PROHIBITION OF AD-HOC FLIGHT OPERATIONS FOR MULTIPLE AIRLINES.
It reads, “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 endorsed on their license to operate for multiple airlines.
“The Flight Simulator Training Device/facility approved by the Authority is 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 NCAA 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 Nov. 11, 2024.
“Simulator renewals from henceforth will be tied to the Operator. Please comply accordingly,” the circular added.
