NCAA slams NGN32 million fine on FirstNation Airways

FirstNation

For violating Nigerian aviation regulations, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has fined FirstNation Airways about 32 million for various offences.

The NCAA also fined FirstNation Airways’ Pilots-In-Command (PIC) about NGN1.5 million fine for breaching safety regulations of the agency

The development was brought to public light in a statement made available by General Manager, Public Relations, Sam Adurogboye, and obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Sunday.

It said the NCAA had carried out a Ramp Inspection on the airline’s Airbus A319 Aircraft with registration mark 5N-FNE at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The NCAA said it was discovered during the inspection that the PIC was not in personal possession of a current medical certificate, neither was it readily accessible.

“Consequent upon this, a Letter of Investigation was sent to the airline and the pilot.

“However, in their response, the pilot admitted violating NCARs, while the airline demonstrated lack of thorough knowledge of the requirements of the regulations,” the statement added.

It said the airline contravened the regulations by allowing a flight crew member to be registered to operate a total of 16 scheduled flights between November 2, 2016 and November 8, 2016.

“These operations were carried out while his medical certificate had expired since on the November 1, 2016, thereby rendering his Pilot License subsequently invalid from that date.

“In the light of these, the airline is hereby sanctioned in accordance with IS 1.3.3 (14), while the Pilot suffers 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 is required to pay a total sum of N32 million only, while the pilot will pay N1.5 million only, being moderate civil penalty for the violation,” the statement said.

The NCAA said  the fine must be paid within seven days of receipt of the letter from the authority.

“The NCAA therefore wishes to advise all airline operators to acquaint themselves properly with the NCARs to guide their operations as violation is viewed seriously.

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