The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended two ValueJet pilots for breaching safety procedures during a flight operation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
In a statement signed by Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the regulatory body said the enforcement action followed reports that the pilot commenced departure procedures without obtaining the mandatory pre-departure clearance.
The act, according to the NCAA, contravened civil aviation regulations and international safety standards, posing a potential danger to ground personnel and other airport users.
Describing the incident as a “serious safety breach,” the Authority confirmed that it had immediately suspended the licences of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba pending the outcome of a full investigation.
“This reckless action endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users,” the NCAA stated. “We view the matter with utmost seriousness.”
The NCAA reassured the flying public and industry stakeholders of its firm commitment to aviation safety, stressing that it will continue to enforce regulations strictly and without compromise.
