Nigerian Aviation Agency Warns Pilots, Airlines On Hazardous Rainy Weather

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has cautioned all pilots over severe thunderstorms and other hazardous weather hampering flight operations especially in view of the onset of the rains.

The warning is a follow up to the Advisory Circular addressed to all pilots and airline operators and comes on the advent of the Seasonal Climate Prediction released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) for the year 2021.

NIMET had predicted early/late March as the start of the rainy season in the Southern states while late April/June 2021 is the start of the rainy season in Central and Northern parts of Nigeria.

Consequently, NCAA on Wednesday, stated that the weather advisory circular was necessary for evolving weather information associated with the onset of rainy season and the effects on safety and efficiency of flight operations; and to elicit   the cooperation of stakeholders.

Therefore, Pilots, Operators and Air Traffic Controllers Pilots are directed to observe series of responsibilities which include as follows:

Air Traffic Controllers may temporarily close the airspace when any of the conditions in (1) are observed or forecast by NIMET;

Flight Crews/Operators and Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) are to ensure adherence to published aerodrome weather miniman;

Pilots to exercise maximum restraint whenever adverse weather is observed or forecast by NIMET; and

Pilots/Flight Crew members to obtain adequate departure, en-route and destination weather information and briefing from NIMET Aerodrome Meteorological Offices prior to flight operations.

The aviation agency called on passengers to exercise patience and understanding during this period of heavy downpour, while strict compliance to this warning is expected from all stakeholders.