The NCAA has banned flight crew from working for multiple airlines, citing safety concerns, following surveillance reports of cross-operator employment.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a restriction prohibiting licensed flight crew members from operating for multiple airlines, citing safety concerns.
The directive, which comes after the NCAA’s internal investigations, addresses the growing trend of pilots and other flight crew providing services to different airlines simultaneously.
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Outlined in a circular, NCAA/DGCA/AOL, dated 6 November 2024, the directive was signed by Acting Director-General Capt. Chris Najomo.
It specifies that concurrent employment across airlines compromises safety standards, as each airline’s operations require unique Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Capt. Najomo declared this practice as illegal under aviation regulations and highlighted the importance of crew members adhering strictly to the operational standards of their primary airline.
The circular, titled “Prohibition of Ad-Hoc Flight Operations for Multiple Airlines,” was distributed to Accountable Managers, Directors of Flight Operations, and Chief Pilots.
It noted that some crew members use the flight simulators and proficiency checks endorsed on their licenses to fulfil roles for multiple airlines.
However, the NCAA explained that training on the Flight Simulator Training Device or similar facilities is tailored specifically to each airline’s SOPs, meaning a crew member’s proficiency is only valid for that particular operator.
The NCAA pointed out that this cross-operator practice presents substantial safety risks, as it undermines consistency in emergency responses and operational protocols, both of which are critical for flight safety.
The circular emphasised that the license issued to pilots or other flight crew is strictly operator-specific and must align with approved training standards.
This policy aims to enhance the Nigerian aviation industry’s safety by ensuring that crew members commit exclusively to one airline’s operations, preserving the integrity of training and operational protocols.
