NCAA debunks Orji Uzor Kalu’s claims of pilot substance abuse, emphasises safety protocols
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has addressed concerns raised by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu regarding the safety of pilots and alleged substance abuse in the aviation industry.
In a statement, signed by Chris Najomo, the director general, NCAA emphasised its commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and professionalism in the sector.
Contrary to Senator Kalu’s claims, the NCAA assured that it maintains a rigorous system for certifying and monitoring the medical and professional fitness of pilots.
The authority stated that all pilots operating in Nigeria undergo comprehensive medical evaluations, including tests for substance abuse, before being issued a medical certificate.
“No pilot is permitted to operate a Nigerian-registered aircraft without holding both a valid pilot licence and a current medical certificate, as required by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) Part 8.4.1.4.
“Holders of Commercial Pilot Licences (CPL) and Airline Transport Pilot Licences (ATPL) are, by the provisions of Nig. CARs 2.3.5.1 and 2.3.7.1, required to possess a Class 1 Medical Certificate before they are allowed to operate.
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“These medical certificates are issued only after comprehensive aero-medical evaluations by NCAA Authorized Aviation Medical Examiners (AAMEs) followed by approval of the medical report by NCAA’s in-house aero-medical assessors.
The scope of these examinations is extensive.
“It covers cardiovascular, neurological, psychological, metabolic, respiratory, and visual assessments to ensure that the pilot is fit to operate an aircraft safely. Nig. CARs Part 2.11.2.6(b) details the physical and mental requirements that must be met before a medical certificate is issued,” the DG explained.
The NCAA explained that pilots are required to possess a valid medical certificate, which is renewed every 12 months for pilots under 40 and every 6 months for those above 40, adding that the authority also conducts regular ramp inspections at airports, verifying crew licenses, medical certificates, and general fitness for duty.
Najomo debunked the notion that pilots operate under the influence of substances or without adequate checks, citing its zero-tolerance policy for safety violations.
The authority highlighted its commitment to safety, citing recent enforcement actions, including the suspension of a pilot’s license for violating safety protocols.
On the role of pilots in aircraft operations, Najomo clarified that while modern aircraft have advanced autopilot systems, pilots remain in control throughout the flight. Takeoffs are manual operations, and autopilot functions are only activated after takeoff. Landings are also manually executed by pilots, except in specific weather and airport conditions.
