NCAA warns Pilots, airlines of bad weather

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has alerted pilots and all airline operators that with the arrival of the harmattan period, extra caution should be exercised in embarking on flight operations if the weather is bad.

This warning is coming on the heels of the seasonal rainfall prediction issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) which indicated that the prevailing weather condition is likely to herald a long and severe dust haze in the months ahead.

In a statement, spokesman for the NCAA, Mr. Sam Adurogboye says this warning is important as Harmattan is known to pose an obvious threat to aircraft particularly in areas of challenging terrains due to low visibility.

The statement says,” The Advisory circular AC: NCAA- AEROMET-24 is intended to alert pilots of the hazards associated with dust haze which is a dry and dusty wind that blows southwards from the Sahara across Nigeria during the months of November to March.

The effect of the dust and sand stirred by the wind is known as Harmattan Dust Haze”.
“Therefore, Pilots should note that air-to-ground visibility may be considerably reduced due to the dust haze.

In addition, aerodrome visibility may fall below the prescribed minima and in severe conditions; dust haze can blot out runways, the markers and airfield lightings over wide areas. This makes visual navigation extremely difficult or impossible.

Resultantly, where visibility falls below the prescribed weather minima, flight operations are expected to be delayed, diverted or outrightly cancelled”.
The statement also urged Pilots to obtain adequate departure, en route and destination weather information and briefing from NIMET prior to flight operations at all the airports.

“Hence, all Pilots are obliged to exercise maximum restraint especially when severe weather condition is observed or reported by NIMET, the Flight Crews/ Operators and Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) should ensure adherence to aerodrome operating minima”.
Airlines Operators were also advised to ensure necessary measures are put in place to manage the effects of flight delays or cancellations on their passengers.

The NCAA has therefore sent a circular to all concern regarding the development.
“The Advisory circular AC: NCAA- AEROMET-24 is intended to alert pilots of the hazards associated with dust haze which is a dry and dusty wind that blows southwards from the Sahara across Nigeria during the months of November to March”.

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo