By Matthew Denis
Towards safety in the aviation sector, the Airspace Manager of Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Ilorin International Airport, Mr. Balogun Abiodun has warned pilots against flying during poor weather.
He issued the warning during a telephone chat with Pilot Aviation at the weekend.
While noting that currently the weather is hazy, he stressed the need for pilots to view the Instrumental Landing System for visibility during flight operations.
He said: “Pilots are expected to be cautious and uphold Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs) while conducting flights during hazardous weather associated with dust haze at this period.
“Hazy weather from the months of November to March affects flight operations, therefore pilots plying airports should abide by NIMET guidelines.
He added, “Our basic responsibility is to guide and send signals to the pilots and airliners as regards the weather conditions.
“This haze comes with a dry and dusty wind that blows southwards from the Sahara across Nigeria in the months of November to March.”
According to him, pilots should note that air-to-ground visibility may be considerably reduced due to the dust haze.
“In addition, aerodrome visibility may fall below the prescribed minima and in severe conditions; dust haze can blot out runways, the markers and airfield lightings over wide areas. This makes visual navigation extremely difficult or impossible.
“However, where visibility falls below the prescribed weather minima, flight operations are expected to be delayed, diverted or outrightly cancelled.
“Therefore to reiterate this, all pilots are expected to exercise maximum restraint especially when severe weather condition is observed or forecasted by NIMET.
“Pilots should obtain adequate departure, en route and destination weather information and briefing from NIMET prior to flight operations at all the airports.
“The Flight Crews/ Operators and Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) should ensure adherence to aerodrome operating minima.
“Operators are therefore advised to ensure necessary measures are put in place to cushion the effects of flight delays or cancellations on their passengers in accordance with Nig. CARs, Part 19.
“All passengers are therefore required be patient, understanding and exhibit exemplary conduct during flight delays and cancellations as safety is paramount in flight operations,” he further said.
