NCAA reacts to TAL, says AOC application, renewal is an ICAO requirement

• Says operator will get renewal when it closes gaps

DIRECTOR General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Captain Musa Nuhu has said that the five (5) Phase Air Operators certificate (AOC) process for initial entry and renewal is an international regulatory requirement as contained in ICAO Annex 6 Parts I and III and ICAO Document 8335.

This is just as he has said that the CAA will not compromise in the enforcement of safety standards, regulatory requirements and SARPs in conformity with all regulatory requirements and ICAO’s Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) in the initial issuance and renewal of all Air Operators Certificate (AOC) irrespective of the personality or and organization involved. LAAC 25th Conference: Remove expiry dates from AOCs, investors tell NCAA

There have been calls by some investors on what they described as the stringent measures in renewal of AOCs some of who have agreed that AOCs could be lifetime unless revoked due to the operators’ negligence this has sparked up a new vista for debate.

However, the NCAA has said the AOC process as domesticated  is captured in Nig. CARS 2015 Part 9 on AOC Certification and that it (CAA) will continue to operate within its mandate to the safety, security and efficiency of the industry as enshrined in the 2006 Civil Aviation Act.

Captain Nuhu who also responded to an interview granted by the Chief Operating Officer of Tropical Artic Logistics (TAL), Mr. Femi Adeniji, which the latter made several allegations, said TAL fell short some requirements in its AOC renewal including  not having three out of four key nominated post holders. READ ALSO: Updated: Engineer Adeniji explains how unfriendly policies repel, divert FDI in aviation

The DG said the missing key personnel include the Director of Maintenance, Director of Flight Operations and Chief Pilot.

He also said the operator is yet to comply with COVID-19 Industry Restart Program like all other industry players did before receiving approval to resume operations. “TAL’s AOC will be renewed when these requirements have been satisfactorily met’, Nuhu said.

Also speaking on some accusations of the TAL boss, the NCAA DG further stated that manufacturers recommendations as alluded to are just ‘recommendations’ which can neither override nor replace regulations based on ICAO SARPS and Annexes.

“ No manufacturer has the authority to issue an extension approval without the knowledge and approval of Civil Aviation Authorities which ultimately responsible for the safety of flight operations. Extensions are the prerogative of CAAs period,” he said.

“During a Certificate of Airworthiness Inspection of the operator’s AW139 Helicopter with registration 5N-BVQ in June 2020, it was discovered that machine was being operated with a component (Tank Foam) that was overdue for replacement. A review of the records showed that the OEM, Leonardo Helicopters had supplied TAL with all replacements Kits and advised the operator to contact NCAA for extension. NCAA was neither contacted for an extension nor was the Tank Foam was replaced.

“An enforcement action was taken by the issuance of a Letter of Investigation (LOI) and the requirement of compliance with OEM’s recommendations. The maintenance repairs and replacement of the tank Foam was performed by Aero Contractors and some serious defects were identified and fixed.

On the allegations of corruption, Nuhu asked the TAL boss to file any evidence he has with relevant authorities.

“If Mr. Adeniji has any evidence of either corruption or any corrupt practices he should file a complaint with relevant authorities for investigations and follow-up actions rather than casting questionable doubts in the public fora on the credibility of the authority.

However, Captain Musa Nuhu accepted that NCAA was not a perfect entity and had its own peculiar challenges and difficulties like all organizations, stating that there is room for improvement.

The NCAA Helmsman extended his hand of friendship to all industry players for the benefit of the nation and stressed that NCAA was a partner in progress rather than the proverbial industry policeman.

He said,” The Authority is ready and willing to work with all parties to resolve any challenge or difficulty they may face as it has already done with many.”