The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a weather alert cautioning pilots,
Airline Operators and Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) on the inherent danger associated with severe thunderstorms.
A statement issued by the General Manager, Public Relations, Mr Sam Adurogboye stated that these hazards include severe turbulence, microburst, low level wind shears and hail events that could affect the safety of flight operations.
He added this weather alert is necessitated by the fact that rainy season, at onset, is usually accompanied with severe thunderstorms and many other hazardous weather phenomena.
Adurogboye stated that the Advisory Circular (AC) was based on the year 2017 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP) by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), adding that it indicates that rainy season is predicted to commence in March/April and May/June 2017 in the Southern and Air Traffic Controllers.
He listed series of responsibilities for pilot, operators and Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs).
ATCs, he said may temporarily close airspace when hazardous weather conditions such as severe thunderstorms, squall lines microburst or low level wind-shear are observed or forecast and Flight Crews/Operators and that ATC shall ensure adherence to aerodrome weather minima.
The statement also said pilots shall exercise maximum restraint whenever adverse weather is observed or forecast and that pilots/flight crew members shall obtain adequate departure, en-route and destination weather information and briefing from NiMet Aerodrome Meteorological Offices prior to flight operations.
NCAA, the statement said expect pilots to strictly comply with adverse weather warnings.
