NCAA says new aviation rules take effect July 1

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, on Sunday said the new Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs), promulgated in December 2015, would take effect from July 1.

The NCAA in a statement by its General Manager, Public Relations, Mr Sam Adurogboye, said the announcement was contained in a Circular Ref: NCAA/DG/AOL/21/16/01 sent to all airline operators in April.

According to the statement, while operators are in possession of the copies of the regulations, the interregnum between April and the commencement date is a permissible transitional period.

It said during the time, stakeholders were expected to acquaint themselves with the contents therein for seamless implementation.

“The process of review was set in motion to align Nig.CARs with recent International Civil Aviation Organisations (ICAO) amendments and industry observations received by the authority.

“Provisions have, therefore, been made for economic and consumer protection regulations that were hitherto not incorporated in the 2009 edition.

“In addition, the NCAA decided on the review to standardise the operational procedures, implementation and enforcement in the industry.

“All these have been done in conformity with the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) as contained in the Annexes to the Chicago Convention,” the statement said.

It therefore, enjoined airline operators and other stakeholders to ensure total and sustained adherence to the reviewed regulations, adding that any breach would be met with the stipulated sanctions.

The Nig.CARs 2015 has 19 parts comprising General Policies and Definitions, Personnel Licensing, Aviation Training Organisations, Registration and Marketing, Airworthiness and Approved Maintenance Organisations. It also has Instrument and Equipment, Operation, Air Operator Certification and Administration and Commercial Air Transport by Foreign Air Carrier within Nigeria.

Others are Commercial Aircraft Operations used for Specialised Services (Aerial Works), Aerodrome Regulations; Air Navigation Services, Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Air, Environmental Protection Regulations, Aviation Security and Offences.