The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a directive barring licensed flight crew members from engaging in cross-crew operations for multiple airlines, citing significant safety risks and inconsistencies in operational standards. The new directive, effective November 11, 2024, seeks to mitigate potential dangers posed by pilots working for more than one airline without proper authorization.
The directive, signed by the Acting Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, and referenced as DGCA/26/24, was sent to all Nigerian aircraft operators. It highlights the safety concerns arising from cross-crew operations, where pilots perform flights for different airlines, each with its own set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training requirements. According to the NCAA, such practices can increase the risk of operational errors and non-compliance with safety protocols.
The NCAA’s move comes after recent surveillance revealed that some pilots have been operating flights for multiple carriers without proper authorization, often relying on simulator proficiency checks and endorsements to justify their dual roles. This practice, known as “pilot sharing,” was flagged as a significant safety concern due to the differing SOPs between airlines.
Capt. Najomo, in a statement, explained that each airline uses approved Flight Simulator Training Devices (FSTDs) tailored to its specific operational procedures and guidelines. “When pilots work for multiple airlines, they bypass these tailored protocols, risking non-compliance with each airline’s standards and undermining safety,” Najomo said. “By disregarding operator-specific requirements, cross-crew operations not only violate regulatory mandates but also endanger lives.”
The NCAA is taking a firm stance on enforcing this new directive, warning that any airline or pilot found violating the ban will face severe sanctions under Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (NCAR). “Simulator renewals will now be restricted to each pilot’s designated operator,” Capt. Najomo stated, emphasizing the NCAA’s commitment to upholding regulatory integrity and safety standards in the Nigerian aviation sector.
Najomo also stressed that the NCAA would treat any unauthorized pilot sharing or cross-crew operations as a serious regulatory breach, subject to judicial procedures and penalties. “This directive leaves no room for ambiguity,” he added. “We expect pilots to adhere strictly to airline-specific safety standards without exception. This move is critical to preserving the safety, consistency, and reliability of Nigerian aviation.”
With this new directive, the NCAA aims to eliminate the practice of cross-crew operations and ensure that all pilots operate within the rigorous safety standards established by their respective airlines.
