NCAA warns pilots over severe thunderstorms and hazardous weather

As the rainy season approaches, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a warning to pilots about severe thunderstorms and other hazardous weather that might disrupt flight operations.

The NCAA stated the warning was a follow-up to its Director-General, Capt. Musa Nuhu's Advisory Circular (AC) with reference number AC: NCAA-AEROMET – 31 issued to all pilots and airline operators.

“This comes on the heels of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) releasing its Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) for the year 2021,” NCAA said.

NIMET predicted March as the commencement of the rainy season in the southern states while April/June 2021 is the commencement of the rainy season in central and Northern states.

“Consequently, this weather advisory circular is necessary to bring forth the evolving weather information associated with the commencement of rainy season and the effects on safety and efficiency of flight operations; and to elicit the cooperation of the following stakeholders to ensure safety air transport at all times,” NCAA said.

It called on pilots, operators and air traffic controllers to observe series of responsibilities.

According to the agency,  air traffic controllers may temporarily close the airspace when any of the severe conditions are observed or forecast by NIMET.

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It also instructed flight crews/operators and air traffic controllers to adhere to published aerodrome weather minima, while pilots must use extreme caution anytime NIMET observes or forecasts poor weather.

Prior to flight operations, NCAA also mandated that pilots/flight crew members acquire appropriate departure, en-route, and destination weather information and briefing from NIMET Aerodrome Meteorological Offices.

“While the authority encourages all passengers to be patient and understanding during this period of severe rain, strict adherence to this warning is anticipated from all stakeholders, as the maximum penalty for non-compliance will be imposed,” said the authority.