Stories by Ime Akpan Lagos
Th e Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a warning to all operators of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) to always obtain aviation height clearance, permits and licences before construction of high rise structures. Others aff ected by the warning are landing facilities owners, stakeholders and the general public. Spokesman for NCAA, Mr. Sam Adurogboye said in a statement issued in Lagos that the agency would “view seriously” any form of infraction. “
Th ese permits, aviation height clearance and licences are to be obtained before the construction of the following – tower, telecommunication masts, high rise buildings/ structures and landing facilities.
Th ese landing facilities include construction of helipad/helideck for civil use and heliports,” he said. Adurogboye said the warning is in line with the Civil Aviation Act. 2006 Part IX (30) (L) which empowers the authority to prohibit, regulate and remove any structure which, by virtue of its height or position, is considered to be endangering the safety of aircraft operations. “In addition, the Civil Aviation Act 2006 Part IX (30) (K) stipulates that the authority will grant and certify licences for the construction of Helipads, helidecks, and Heliports “It is therefore an exercise in illegality to operate into a heliport (surface level, elevated or helideck) without the approval of the NCAA,” said Adurogboye. Speaking further on the matter, he said: “On the other hand, for those who want to renew their heliport certifi cate, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) Part 12.10.6 highlights that heliports operators are required to commence the process of renewal of heliport certifi cate not less than 90 days to the date of expiration of the certifi cate. “Th e regulatory authority is compelled to issue this warning as part of our oversight responsibilities which is principally safety and security of fl ight operations in and out of Nigerian airspace.”
