E ight countries and CASSOA joined the BAGAIA Aircraft Investigation Course aimed at improving aviation safety in Africa. Specifically, the workshop aims to assist African members in meeting their obligations under the Chicago Convention.
The workshop seeks to establish an effective aviation safety oversight system across the participating countries and the entire region. The participating countries, including Liberia, Gambia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Guinea, Togo, and Cabo Verde, attended the workshop.
The five-day workshop took place from June 3-7, 2024, at the Farmington Hotel, Monrovia.
The workshop provides tools and knowledge necessary for basic aircraft accident and incident investigation. It addresses the management of accident investigations, stakeholder responsibility, MOUs, flight recorders, and downloads. Furthermore, it examines accident investigation processes, ADREP, and aircraft accident investigation report writing.
In his opening speech, BAGAIA Commissioner Charles Irikefe Erhueh said, “The workshop will strengthen collaborations, sharing knowledge, skills, and resources.” He emphasized that the event is an opportunity for professional improvement and to celebrate international cooperation and aviation safety commitment.
Mr. Nicolas Leroy, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) representative, said the training’s primary goal is fostering collaboration. Moreover, he added, “Each of you brings a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives, enhancing our understanding and effectiveness in air safety investigations.”
During his welcome address, Captain Moses Weefur, Commissioner/CEO of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of Liberia, highlighted training importance. Captain Weefur noted that, while no one wants an accident, they occur due to human error, machine failure, or environmental factors.
He advised participants that they are mingling with other investigators with whom they will be working together for aviation safety in Africa.
While declaring the event open, Mr. Julius D. Dennis Jr. of the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), he hinted that the country must change the narrative of its dismal EI score. According to him, it was categorized as non-compliant in the recent ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program, Continuous Monitoring Audit.
He said, “We must change this narrative by taking progressive steps to implement the CAP, mitigating and alleviating identified discrepancies.” The way forward to achieve this objective entails collaboration, cooperation, and the pooling of efforts and resources. Training, therefore, becomes a critical aspect in this regard.”
He described this training and previous ones as significant steps to improve aviation safety and development for Liberia and the subregion.
