In its efforts to checkmate apron-related incidents and accidents during the Yuletide season, management of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has embarked on a revalidation programme for aircraft marshallers.
The programme held in collaboration with F.C.I International, Centre of Technical Development brought about training and competent revalidation of over 200 aircraft marshallers from various airports in the federation.
Aircraft marshallers guide aircraft to their parking spots at airports, ensuring the safe movement of aircraft by providing the essential visual link to assist the flight crew in positioning the aircraft correctly and in ensuring airside safety.
The exercise will enable the marshallers to perform their duty of providing safe guidance of aircraft on thr ramps in line with Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority advisory circular NCAA-AC-ARD049 on Airside Safety Management
Speaking during one of the training sessions held at Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, The Director of Human Resource FAAN, Dr Emiola Olatubosun Luqman reminded the Marshallers of the significance of the programme
He said the management of FAAN was making effort to close all technical-related training gaps and prepare FAAN to provide safe and secured air transport support services during the Yuletide and beyond.
The coordinator of the training and Managing Director, of FCI International, Mr Fortune Idu emphasised the uniqueness of this edition which he revealed has gone beyond the marshalling signals.
According to Idu, it included an assessment of all apron-related work hazards. It was designed to make signalmen comprehensively safer aircraft marshallers by reviewing existing Standard Operating Procedures and practices and introducing a new logging system to make them more efficient airfield workers.
The Marshallers who attended the programme collectively appreciated the effort of the FAAN management in responding to marshaller’s needs by providing them with the required tools to perform their duties
They also requested that Marshaller’s career progression in FAAN should not be limited but broadened with more training opportunities to be created.
Responding to the Marshaller’s quest for a professional career progression and technical exchange and association, Idu remarked that his organisation have been advocating for the formation of a Marshaller consultative body that will ensure professional conduct and respect for Marshallers.
He also indicated he has presented this case to NCAA and the Acting Director General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has endorsed it.
He remarked that Capt Chris Najomo’s commitment to ensuring an all-inclusive Aviation development system in Nigeria should be encouraged and his confirmation as substantive Director General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority was imperative to deliver this well-crafted foundation in place.
