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Saturday 20 February 2016

AIB Sets To Review Investigation Of Air Accidents, Incidents Regulations 2006


AIB Sets To Review Investigation Of Air Accidents, Incidents Regulations 2006

ZAINAB JUNAID ELESHO

The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has declared the necessity to review its 2006 Civil Aviation Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents Regulations

An online statement signed by the Head Public Affairs, AIB, Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, stated that the review became necessary to make its policy be in tandem with its counterparts around the world.

Oketunbi hinted that the review of the existing 2006 policy was pertinent in order for aviation industry in Nigeria to conform to the updated International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, Standards and Recommended Practices, SARPS.
He also added that the review became necessary in a bid for its policy to be in tandem with its counterparts around the world.
Oketunbi pointed out that the since the current policy formulated in November 2006, there had been series of amendments to accident and incident investigation by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) especially to the Annex 13 of the convention.

He further explained that AIB as one of the leading globally recognised aviation investigators, it could not operate in isolation of global standards and recommended practices.

According to him, “The management has noticed some gaps in the current regulations, which the new one will seek to address. We hereby requested relevant aviation stakeholders like airline operators, professionals, unions, oil companies operating within the sector, individuals with key interest in aviation Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the general public for their valuable contributions on the proposed amendment.”

“We are doing this in conformity with our regulation 22, which reads in part, ‘These regulations shall be amended from time to time to bring them into conformity with the provisions of ICAO Annex 13, any amendment thereto and the Civil Aviation Act.”Oketunbi added.
He stated that the workshop scheduled for Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at the  Westown Hotel, Ikeja,Lagos, would also witness in attendance other top aviation stakeholders and professionals from the Ministry of Transportation, aviation agencies, airlines, concessionaires and private sector.
Oketunbi stated that industry professionals such as aviation lawyer and immediate past President of Aviation Round Table(ART), Capt. Dele Ore and the Managing Director of Aeroconsut Limited, Engr. Babatunde Obadofin would also present papers that would usher in the new policy for accident investigation in the sector.
Chief Executive Officer of AIB, Dr. Felix Abali will present the welcome address while technical directors from AIB are also expected to present papers


Friday 5 February 2016

AMCON appoints new Manager for Aero Contractors .....dissolves airline board

AMCON appoints new Manager for Aero Contractors
.....dissolves airline board

ZAINAB JUNAID ELESHO

The Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) has today dissolved the Board for Aero Contractors and appointed a new Manager over the affairs of the airline.

The company disclosed this in a communique made available to journalists adding that it has also engaged a reputable accounting firm to undertake a forensic audit of the airline’s accounts over the last five years.

According to the release, the decision to dissolve the board is coming on the heels of the numerous protests by aviation unions; Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) against the management of the company for allegedly mismanaging the embattled airline.

Being the majority shareholder and creditor of Aero Contractors and also as part of its statutory responsibility of acquiring eligible bank assets and putting them to economic use in a profitable manner, the body stated that an industry based management team would be put in place to provide the highest level of professional competence which would ensure a quick repositioning of the company.

"AMCON decided to make changes in the management of the airline to protect the brand heritage of the airline, a very well cherished value. This development was in the public interest to sustain and improve the robust and premium quality service which Aero is known for in the country.

AMCON assured regulatory agencies ,air travellers and stakeholders that it would continue to provide safe flights and excellent service.

“AMCON would like to assure the regulatory authorities, the traveling public and key stakeholders that the airline will continue to operate on the solid foundation of safety and security with excellent customer service. The statement reads.

Presently, AMCON owns 60 per cent of the company with the remaining 40 per cent held by the Ibru family.
It currently provides aviation solutions for the oil and gas industry, in particular and other industries in general, and combines Rotary Wing, Fixed Wing, maintenance and logistical support in one package.

Thursday 4 February 2016

Air Cote D’Ivoire begins Flights to Abuja


Air Cote D’Ivoire begins Flights to Abuja

ZAINAB JUNAID ELESHO

Air Cote D’Ivoire (HF) has concluded plans to connect Nigeria’s Federal Capital, Abuja to its hub airport in Abidjan.
According to the management of the airline, the flight operations to Abuja is aimed at expanding its rapidly growing network and quickly establish itself as the leading carrier in the West and Central African Sub Region.
A statement by the airline, said the service between the two strategic destinations is expected to commence effective February 15, 2016.

This is coming on the heels of its recent launch last month of the delivery of yet another brand new Dash 8-Q400 aircraft.

The recently acquired airliner is one of three new aircrafts expected to join the carrier’s young fleet this year.
A total of three weekly flights will be operated between both destinations in a two class configuration of 7 seat in Business Class and 60 seats in Economy class.
The flights will depart from Abuja on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 09:20am and arrive in Abidjan at 11: 05am and will also depart from Abidjan at 7:25pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays to arrive in Abuja at 11:15pm. The above flights will be in addition to its current five flights weekly from Lagos.

The country manager -Nigeria, Mr. Moustapha Fofana stated that: “We thank our customers and partners for their massive support since commencement of our operations into Lagos a year ago. We have been listening to and working assiduously with our travel partners in order to meet the business and leisure needs of our esteemed customers. Connecting the city of Abuja through direct flights to Abidjan will not only open the region to seamless connectivity in the spirit of the Yamoussoukro Decision, but it will also go a long way to foster closer relations between Nigeria and Cote D’Ivoire, offer greater choice to customers, and significantly reduce travel time for passengers.”

Air Cote d’Ivoire is the national carrier of Cote d’Ivoire with a workforce of over 437 employees including more than 58 Pilots, 116 Cabin Crew and 30 Aircraft Engineers operating a young fleet of seven aircrafts comprising three A319s, one A320 and three Dash 8-Q400s.



NCAA suspends Bristow Helicopters Sikorsky S-76C++ Type

NCAA suspends Bristow Helicopters Sikorsky S-76C++ Type

ZAINAB JUNAID ELESHO

Following the successive mishaps of Bristow Helicopters' operating aircraft Sikorsky S-76C++ Type on the coastal waters of Lagos, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has Suspended the operation of the airline's Helicopter till further notice.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended th
According to the Director General of NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman, the suspension will enable the authority carry out a full scale audit on its operations with particular emphasis on its Sikorsky S-76C++ type.
He made this known while briefing aviation correspondents at NCAA Annex, at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA),Lagos.
The decision, the director general, stated was coming on the heels of the Bristow Helicopters’ controlled ditching yesterday, February 3, 2016, adding that the regulatory body considered it expedient to communicate certain decisions that the authority has taken concerning the incident
These decisions, he stated were without prejudice to the investigations being conducted by the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB),adding that as a matter of fact, it would serve to assist in the entire process.
NCAA, he added would fully support AIB in the investigation.
The regulatory authority, the DG stated viewed with utmost seriousness the successive mishaps of Bristow Helicopters’ operating aircraft SikorskyS-76C++ on the coastal waters of Lagos.
“The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has therefore decided to suspend the operation of the Bristow Helicopters Limited’s Sikorsky S-76C++ type till further notice. This suspension will enable the authority carry out a full scale audit on its operations with particular emphasis on its Sikorsky S-76C++ type.” he said
The Sikorsky S-76 aircraft, according to him is an American medium – size commercial utility helicopter manufactured by the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation.
The S-76 features twin turbo shaft engines; four-bladed main and tail rotors. It has a retractable landing gear.
Sikorsky’s development began in the mid-1970s with the design goal of providing a medium helicopter for corporate transportation and the oil drilling industry.
The prototype first flew on March 13, 1977, while initial United States Federal Aviation Administration type certification was granted on November 21, 1978.
NCAA recalled that August 12, 2015, a Bristow Helicopter operated Sikorsky S-76 series crashed around Oworonshoki axis in Lagos, adding what this means is that yesterday’s incident is occurring a little over six months after the preceding one.
He pointed out that as a responsible regulatory authority, it was important to stem this rapidity of occurrence and ensure the airline carry out safe operations, adding that the suspension was not to pass a vote of no confidence in the embattled helicopter giant.
In his words, “I must also mention that this suspension of operations for the impending wholesale audit is not a vote of no confidence on the airline. It is to ascertain the adequacy and propriety of the operating aircraft type. This is not new in the industry; it is one of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) all over the world.”
Meanwhile, Bristow said that it would cooperate with NCAA and AIB in its investigation.
“We are continuing to cooperate fully with the NCAA and the Nigerian Accident Investigation Bureau (NAIB) in its investigation concerning the Bristow helicopter that was involved in the controlled water landing near Lagos on Feb. 3, 2016.” Bristow said in an online statement.
Bristow disclosed that all nine passengers and two crew onboard the aircraft (tail number 5N-BQJ) that was involved in a controlled water landing today near Lagos, have arrived at an onshore installation, with only minor injuries being reported at this time.
The rotary wing giant stated that it was cooperating fully with local authorities in its investigation to determine the cause and to begin recovery of the aircraft, which is located approximately 75 nautical miles offshore.
Bristow has established a dedicated telephone hotline for family members of those on board the flight. Family members in Nigeria may call 01-271-6748. Family in the U.S. and Canada may dial toll free +1 (855) 979-7533 or direct toll at +1 (567) 302-7004

Wednesday 3 February 2016

update 3 on the bristow crash

Bristow Helicopters (Nigeria) Limited, confirmed today in a release made available to aviation journalists that one of its helicopters, was involved in a water landing near Lagos at about 10.25 a.m. local time on return from an offshore platform.

According to the communique, the aircraft, a Sikorsky S-76C++, had departed on a routine crew transfer flight offshore with nine passengers and a crew of two. All persons onboard are accounted for and in the process of being transferred to a nearby installation. The company is in the process of collecting pertinent information and will release more details as soon as it is available.

Bristow Helicopters (Nigeria) Limited provides aviation services to the offshore energy industry, serving major integrated offshore energy companies in Africa’s oil and gas industry. With headquarters located in Lagos, Nigeria, Bristow Group’s Africa region comprises operations in Nigeria, Ghana and affiliate Petroleum Air Services (PAS) in Egypt.

However,Mr Tunji Oketunbi of Accident Investigative Bureau stated that investigation is on going. More details later

update on helicopter crash Atlantic ocean

Spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency, Ibrahim Farinloye disclosed that his agency got a distress call this morning and immediately alerted the Nigerian Navy and officers of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to engage in search and rescue.

The chopper which had eleven passengers on board with a pilot and a cabin crew member sank shortly after the crash. All persons on board were rescued by combined efforts of Navy and NIMASA officials who arrived the scene of the crash on time

The helicopter crashed into the Atlantic Ocean as it was approaching the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos

Helicopter Crashes Into Water With 11 People On Board

Helicopter Crashes Into Water With 11 People On Board

A Bristow Helicopters has crashed with 11 people  made up of nine passengers and two crew on board .
However, a source close to Bristow Helicopters told reporters that it was not a crash but a controlled ditching.
The helicopter  with registration number 5N-BJQ was said to  be  flying from Port Harcourt to Lagos.
According to skybrary.aero a controlled ditching is a controlled emergency landing of a helicopter on water. It is prompted by a sudden –on set emergency, where continued safe flight to the nearest adequate landing location of even suitable landing not ascertained.
The crash is coming barely six months after its Sikorsky S-76C with registration number 5N – BDG – 760540 crashed at Oworoshoki of Lagos Lagoon
In the 2015 crash six of the 12 people on board died, while six others survived.
The site of the crash as at the time of compiling the report was yet to be ascertained.
Details Shortly.