The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has issued a stern warning to flight crew members, particularly pilots, regarding the practice of working for multiple airlines simultaneously with the same approved privileges, including simulators and proficiency checks that are endorsed on their licenses.
The NCAA emphasized that this practice poses a serious safety risk and will be treated as a violation of aviation regulations.
The warning was communicated in a circular addressed to all aircraft operators, signed by the Acting Director-General of NCAA, Chris Najomo, titled ‘Prohibition of Ad-Hoc Flight Operators for Multiple Airlines Background,’ and dated November 6, 2024.
The NCAA’s directive highlights the importance of compliance with its regulations to maintain high standards of safety within the country’s aviation sector.
The NCAA, referencing circular number NCAA/DGCA/AOL, stated that its surveillance reports revealed instances of unprofessional conduct related to pilots working for multiple airlines simultaneously.
It underscored that flight simulator training devices and facilities approved by the authority are operator-specific.
This means that the training programs and Standard Operating Procedures are tailored to the specific airline and cannot be used interchangeably across different operators.
The letter read partly, “With effect from the date of issuance of this directive, all operators and holders of pilot licenses are informed that this action will be treated as a violation of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.
“The authority will take appropriate enforcement action on violators of this directive, effective from November 11, 2024.
“Simulators renewals from henceforth will be filed to the operators.”
Commenting on the development, Capt. Mohammed Badamasi, supported the NCAA’s directive, describing it as an act of unprofessionalism for a pilot to work for multiple airlines simultaneously.
He emphasized that such practices not only violate safety regulations but also undermine the integrity and professionalism expected in the aviation industry.
He said, “It is very unprofessional for a pilot to work for two airlines because aside from you being an employee of a company, there is also the place of loyalty to your employer. Why should a pilot work for multiple airlines when you primarily have an employer who may have invested in your training and all?
“How can multimillion-dollar equipment be handed over to you as a captain by a company and such a company still won’t be able to earn your loyalty? Even aside from loyalty, there is a breach of legal agreement because as a pilot you must have signed an agreement with your employer. You must sign a bond.
“Again, God forbid that anything happens, the insurance company will not pay, they won’t pay because that is a clear breach of agreement, the insurance company does not know the competence of the alien pilot handling the aircraft at the time of the incident.”
