FLIDAN responds to United Nigeria’s Flight NUA 0504 diversion, citing discrepancies between the filed plan and pilot’s actions, urging investigation.
Secretary General, Victoria Adegbe, said the dispatcher adhered to NCAR Part 8 by submitting a proper flight plan to the Tower. “Departure-Lagos. Destination- Abuja, First Alternate- Enugu, Second Alternate- Port Harcourt. Time of flight: 13:00 Â Flight Duration: 55mins Endurance: 6 hours.”
Adegbe added that despite the favorable Abuja weather in the folder, the pilot sought clearance to fly to Asaba.
“Both Pilot and ATC didn’t follow the filed plan, implying a disregard for ‘Operational Control,’ giving the Flight Dispatcher 50% joint responsibility for flight safety.” The statement read.
“The airline allowing pilots to create their Operational Flight Plan breaches NCAR Part 8 regulations on Dispatch Release responsibility.” It further stated.
She said ATC should not have granted a scheduled flight clearance to depart to a destination that was not as filed by the Flight Dispatcher. “We urge NCAA to investigate the Airline’s Operations Control, seizing Operational Control from the Flight Dispatcher, demanding scrutiny.”
United Nigeria Airlines on November 26, flew its Abuja bound flight into Asaba from Lagos sparking outcries and criticism.
