NCAA blows hot on cross-crew operations

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The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a strong directive that henceforth prevents licenced flight crew members from conducting cross-crew operations for multiple airlines.

Cross-crew operations take place when pilots perform flights for more than one airline, which, according to the NCAA, increases safety risks due to differing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training requirements.

The Acting Director General of the regulatory agency, Captain Chris Najomo, signed the order, referenced as DGCA/26/24, and directed it to all Nigerian airline operators.

The directive, which was a fallout of the recent NCAA surveillance and takes effect from November 11, 2024, addresses findings that revealed pilots have operated flights for multiple airlines without authorised consideration.

The NCAA directive is aimed at mitigating potential safety threats that may arise from inconsistent operational standards.

This unauthorised practice, known as “pilot sharing,” relies on simulator proficiency checks and endorsements to justify work across multiple carriers. However, the NCAA asserts that conducting cross-crew operations compromises operational safety standards, which thus poses a legal risk under Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.

According to the NCAA, operators exclusively use its approved Flight Simulator Training Devices (FSTDs). Each training device aligns with an individual airline’s SOPs and operational guidelines. When pilots work for multiple airlines, they bypass these tailored protocols, risking compliance and safety standards within each airline. By disregarding distinct operator requirements, cross-crew operations violate regulatory mandates and potentially endanger lives.

The NCAA DG vowed to enforce strict measures against any airline or licenced pilot that violates this directive’s terms, emphasising that sanctions under Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations will apply, as the NCAA seeks to preserve the industry’s regulatory integrity.

“Simulator renewals will now be restricted exclusively to each pilot’s designated operator,” Najomo stated, highlighting the NCAA’s firm enforcement stance. He further underscored that the NCAA remains committed to maintaining the highest safety standards within Nigeria’s aviation sector,” Najomo declared.

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