Aviation regulators warn pilots against flying for multiple airlines over safety concerns

*The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority warns pilots working for multiple airlines of safety concerns, reminding all airline operators and holders of pilot licence that such practice is a violation of the civil aviation regulations in the West African country

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In line with the country’s aviation regulations and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of each airline, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned pilots and other flight crew members against working for multiple airlines concurrently with their approved privileges simulators and proficiency checks endorsed on their licence for aviation safety.

Capt. Chris Nojomo, Acting Director-General of Civil Aviation (ADGCA), in a recent letter titled, ‘Prohibition of Ad-Hoc Flight Operators for Multiple Airlines Background’, dated November 6, 2024, with the reference number: NCAA/DGCA/AOL, and addressed to all aircraft operators, reportedly said the regulatory agency discovered the unprofessional conduct through its recent surveillance reports.

The NCAA stated such an action posed serious threat to safety in Nigeria.

The regulatory agency also asserted that unprofessional practice would be treated as a serious violation of the Nigerian Civil Aviation regulations.

The Authority, in the communication to airline operators, equally clarified that its approved flight simulator training device/facility is operator specific, based on the training programme and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for such an airline only.

According to the regulators, there are instances in which pilots operate for multiple airlines concurrently without considering how such as an action poses safety risk to the industry in the West African country.

“With effect from the date of issuance of this directive, all operators and holders of pilot licence are informed that this action will be treated as a violation of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.”

The NCAA asserted: “The authority will take appropriate enforcement action on violators of this directive, effective from November 11, 2024.

“Simulators renewals from henceforth will be filed to the operators.”