The aviation stakeholders have advocated a single reporting centre in the aviation sector which should include the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Accident Investigative Bureau (AIB), Nigeria and operators.
This is contained in a communiqué released in Abuja on Friday, after a two-day event on“ Industry Engagement on the Review of Accident Reports“ organised by the AIB.“
The communiqué, which was signed by Mr Tunji Oketunji, AIB General Manager of Public Affairs, said such move would eradicate conflict of reports emanating from different sources on aircraft incidents and accidents across the nation.
According to it, such single reporting system would strengthen cooperation and connectivity among the agencies under the ministry of Aviation and other relevant stakeholders.
While stressing on the need for a single reporting system, they noted that the advent of social media had put every information either appropriate or not in the public space.
“Accident investigation in Nigeria should migrate to the 21st century of reporting by adopting latest technology in the world.
“Mandatory accident/incident report should be encouraged by the regulatory agency and airline operators. As long as the truth is brought out at the end of a report, disagreement of parties involved should not be a distraction,” it said.
The communiqué said reports ought to be given attention as it was evergreen for reference purpose.
According to it, safety recommendations should be given priority by the NCAA.
It called on organisations and airlines to invest in Research and Development on communication to excel in the sector.
It further stated that the appropriate agencies ought to guide against vandalism of critical safety equipment by collaborating with the security agencies to create conducive environment for all.
It said that efforts should be focused on installing and sustaining safety critical facilities in the industry rather than focus energy and financial resources of less critical issues.
The communiqué called for improved infrastructure at most of nation`s airports, especially at the Port Harcourt Airport.
It advised NCAA to insist that all navigational equipment, including ILS were serviceable in the airports, especially during raining season.
It maintained that accident investigation was necessary for improved safety in the global aviation industry, including Nigeria.
“In-house Standards Operating Procedures (SOP) should be strictly adhered to by airlines, while NCAA should ensure its sustenance.
“More attention should be given to airlines when reports on incidents or accidents that are submitted. Some of the reports from airlines are watered down.
“NCAA should shut down any airport without serviceable equipment especially those that lack landing aid facilities. Ultimate safety lies with service providers. Criticism is a feedback it should not be dispersed with. Safety thrives on data.”
It further said the rationale of the airline choosing a pilot with more flight hours as Co-pilot and the pilot with less hours as Pilot-In-Command (PIC) should be looked at critically.
It urged NCAA to beam more searchlight on foreign registered aircraft used for commercial services in Nigeria.
According to it, there is need to promote non-punitive policy to have improved safety in the sector.
It said sanction might not work again in order to get to the heart of a matter by digging to know the motive behind actions or inactions.
“ICAO frowns at overwriting of Cockpit Voice Recorder, it is a criminal offence to tamper with evidence as stated in Annex 13 and should be treated as such.
According to the communiqué coordination between Air Traffic Controllers and pilots is paramount to safety.
