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FirstNation appeals N33.5m sanction, panel begins sitting
- Carrier carpets agency over action
Nigerian carrier, First Nations Airways has file an appeal to quash the N33.5 million fine imposed on it by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for allegedly violating safety regulations.
The hearing started today and would end tomorrow. It would form the basis for review if the airline is not found culpable.
The NCAA confirmed this in a letter written to the airline on May 9th, 2017, with reference number NCAA/DG/CSLA/RM/1-06/17/163.
A top official of the airline who pleaded anonymity chided NCAA for rushing to the media to pronounce the hefty fine on the airline on February 1, 2017 before proper investigation of the matter.
The source said the aviation body got it wrong that, hinting that the body should have checked their records to confirm that the Pilot In Command (PIC)
The aviation sector regulator alleged that the pilot failed to present his medical report to officials of NCAA who were on ramp inspection and that there was no indication that the pilot had a current medical certificate when he was to operate a flight as the Pilot in Command (PIC).
Procedurally, First Nation Airways and its Pilot were requested to submit written witness statements and submissions in support of or against the appeal. This was submitted in 10 hard and soft copies and forwarded to the Secretary of the Panel.
Spokesman for NCAA, Sam Adurogboye stated that during the hearing of the appeal, the Appeal Panel may, at its discretion allow time for oral submissions if deemed necessary.
Members of the Appeal Panel are drawn from two other airline operators, a private aviation lawyer and observers from NCAA.
It will be recalled that First Nation Airways and one of its Pilots were N33.5million respectively for violation of safety regulations in November, last year.
The NCAA said while carrying out its statutory safety oversight responsibilities will continue to ensure fairness and responsiveness in our engagement with all the industry stakeholders.
NCAA said in a letter it wrote to the airline, “During a ramp inspection on your Airbus A319 Aircraft with registration mark 5N-FNE at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), it was discovered that the PIC was not in personal possession of a current medical certificate neither was it readily accessible.”
The carrier alleged in February that the airline had contravened the regulations by allowing a flight crew member to be rostered to operate a total of 16 scheduled flights on the 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 2016.
It further alleged that these operations were carried out while his medical certificate had expired since on the November 1, 2016, thereby rendering his Pilot Licence subsequently invalid from that date,” NCAA noted.
Adurogboye stated in the light of these revelations, the airline was “hereby sanctioned in accordance with IS 1.3.3 (14) while the pilot suffered similar fate in line with IS 1.3.3(11) (15) (e), in lieu of suspension under IS 1.3.3(11)(15)(a) of the Nig.CARs 2015.
On this strength, the airline was required to pay a total sum of N32,000,000 only while the pilot was asked to pay N1.5 million only, being moderate civil penalty for the violation. The carrier was ordered to pay the said amount within seven days of receipt of the letter from the authority.
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