Category 1 re-certification: NCAA hopeful as FAA team visits Nigeria Aug. 21

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it is prepared for assessment by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for re-certification of the Category 1 status.

NCAA’s General Manager, Public Relations, Mr Sam Adurogboye, made this known at a news briefing on Tuesday in Lagos.

Adurogboye said that the FAA team would visit Nigeria on Aug. 21 for the assessment of the country’s compliance with the Category 1 status, which it attained in 2010.

The general manager said that a four-man team to be led by Mr Louis Alvarez would carry out the one-week assessment.

“We are expecting an FAA team; they are coming for an assessment of the NCAA for one week. They were here in 2015 for the re-certification which is done every two years, and we did excellently.

“Now, they are coming again; I believe that we have what it takes to excel, and by the grace of God, we will do Nigeria proud,” he said.

According to him, the team will assess the NCAA’s compliance with sections of International Civil Organisation (ICAO) Standards and Recommendation Practices (SARPs) as contained in Annexes 1, 6, Part 1 and 8.

Adurogboye noted that Annex 1 included general policies, procedures and definitions, while Annex 6 dealt with approved maintenance organisation.

According to him, Annex 8 has to do with flight operations.

“This involves using the current International Aviation Safety Assessment (IATA) checklist and ICAO guidance material to assess the states’ aviation law, regulations and oversight capability.

“This is in accordance with the eight critical elements as defined in the ICAO document 9734 which include legislation, regulations, organisation, technical staff, quality and training.

“It also includes the technical guidance, tools, licensing, certification, continuous surveillance and resolution of safety concerns,” he said.

Adurogboye added that the Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman, had already set up the authority’s standing audit team which had swung into action.

He said that the NCAA would be expected to complete the latest IASA checklist and return completed form to the FAA before the team’s arrival.

Adurogboye said that the FAA team would also visit the Maintenance Section of Medview Airline and any other airline.