Demuren cautions on appointments in NCAA

The former Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren has re-emphasized the importance of the directorate of airworthiness and standards (DAWS) under the regulatory agency.

According to Demuren, for anybody to be appointed the Director of Airworthiness and Standards, he must have done Airworthiness, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Courses and that of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The person, he said must also be current with the latest issues as it concern airworthiness and standards.

Demuren’s comment is coming on the heels of complaints in some quarters and threat by aviation unions to ground the industry if the appointment of DAWS, Engr Ita Awak was not reversed.

The ex Director General of NCAA said this while speaking on the topic NCAA Autonomy And Safety Compliance as the Guest Speaker at the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI) Quarter March 2017, Breakfast Meeting at Golfview Hotel and Suite, Lagos

He explained that some many people have called him on the said appointment, adding that he told them that he does not know the person but that his attention was later drawn to the fact that he attended the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT).

The former DG of NCAA contended that if for any reason ICAO or FAA wants to audit Nigeria aviation today , the credentials of DAWS would be looked at .

According to him, “The man who is going to issue aircraft airworthiness certificate must know what he is doing. You don’t learn on the job or table .He must be strong, competent and efficient.”

He continued, “Has he done Airworthiness Courses, FAA and other courses? Outside Nigeria in ICAO and other international aviation gatherings, he is going to lead groups and this must be done professionally.

If you do audit today on Nigeria aviation, they are going to look at the credential of DAWS.”