NCAA issues first drones certificate to Oando Plc

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued the first Remote Piloted Aircraft/Drones RPAS Operators Certificate (ROC) to Oando Plc.

The Director General of NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman, presenting the ROC to Mr. Anthony Sawyer, Oando Plcs General Manager, Operations, at the Aviation House said NCAA was pioneering the issuance of certificate to civil/private operators in the unmanned aircraft operations category.

Muhtar advised Oando plc to ensure strict compliance with all the requirements for the grant of an approval.

According to him, the company must adhere to all requirements for the maintenance of an approval applicable to each of the operations specifications.

Capt. Usman enjoined the recipient to expect some initial minor challenges. “These are not entirely unexpected in any new initiative; however, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will be very agile in responding to these challenges. Taking cognizance of the rapid pace of technological development.”

The DG said the RPAS regulatory framework was a work in progress and will continually engage the industry stakeholders to review the regulations when necessary.

In his response, Mr. Anthony Sawyer explained Oando Managing Directors absence as unavoidable.

He said the NCAA team was very professional and thorough during the processes towards attaining the certification. Sawyer said the procedures were rigorous but we were convinced the Authority was doing the right thing in line with its oversight responsibilities.”Oando will definitely abide by all the conditions attached to the certificate especially with our pioneer status.”

Oando Reservoir and Production Services Ltd. received the certificate having satisfied the requirements and found competent to secure the safe operation of the Aircraft type Lockheed Martins SN 248-255.

The certificate is for flights with the purpose of aerial work specifically Environmental Observation Monitoring and Protection.

To qualify for the issuance of certificate, applicants are expected to undergo five phases which include Pre-Application, Formal Application, Document Evaluation, Demonstration, Inspection and Certification phases.