Pilots urged to be wary of harmattan haze, passengers to be patient with delay by weather
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The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued Advisory Circular to caution Pilots, Airline Operators and others on severe dust haze/fog phenomenon passengers urged to be patient with the delay that is weather-related in Nigerian airports.
The media statement said adverse weather condition occurrence had been noticeable since October in the far North; November over the North Central; and December over the Southern part of the country. In addition, early morning fog may also be experienced in the months ahead, especially along the coastal areas in the South.
It announced that “With the issuance of this circular signed by the Director-General, Capt Musa Nuhu, the NCAA-AEROMET-29 of August 2020 is accordingly cancelled“.
The statement explained that “to ensure safe and efficient flight operations during this period, Pilots, Operators and Air Traffic Controllers have been directed henceforth, to observe series of responsibilities enumerated below”:
(I.) Flight Crew/Operators and Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) shall be conversant with each aerodrome weather minima and ensure strict adherence to the requirements;
(II) Air Traffic Controllers may temporarily close airspace when hazardous weather conditions such as heavy fog or severe dust haze reducing the visibility to below airport operating minimal are observed or forecast by Nimet;
(III.) Pilots/Flight Crew Members shall obtain adequate departure, en-route and destination weather information and briefing from Nimet Aerodrome Offices prior to flight operations; and
(IV.) Pilots shall exercise maximum restraint whenever adverse weather is observed or forecast by Nimet, and brief passengers accordingly.
Travelling public are however urged to exercise restraint and show understanding in this yuletide month as flights may be delayed or cancelled on account of weather situations.
It affirmed that “From the foregoing, the regulatory authority will expect strict compliance to this Advisory Circular as violation would be viewed seriously”
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