NCAA sanctions Aero over the Bauchi airport ladder incident

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has imposed what it described as an “applicable sanction” on Aero Contractors Airlines over the use of a ladder to disembark passengers from the Bauchi Airport.
The NCAA said the incident was a breach of its regulation and that it has consequently imposed an undisclosed fine on the airline as a deterrent to other airlines.
A video and pictures of passengers disembarking from the airplane through a ladder went viral on social media. The incident even attracted some international attention with a Kenya television station mocking the country for the embarrassing incident.
The  Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman, said in allowing passengers to disembark with a ladder Aero Contractor violated its approved aircraft handling manual.
“Therefore this is a violation of Part 9.2.4.2(b) of Nig.CARs  which part attracts a civil penalty, he said, adding that all the relevant agencies made useful submissions during the course of the investigation.

“In view of the safety implications of your action, you are hereby sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of Part 20.2.3(15) of the Nig.CARs,’’ the letter added.

Also, the captain of the flight was similarly fined for failing to comply with the provisions contained in the aircraft manual.
“The NCAA therefore wishes to reiterate its earlier warning that all airlines should endeavour to adhere strictly to Civil Aviation Regulations,” the regulator said.





#The Nation