…Insists on obtaining permits
To ensure that their structures or facilities do not endanger the safety of aircraft operations in the country, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a very stern warning to all operators of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) to see to it that they obtain Aviation Height Clearance (AHC), Permits and Licences before construction of high rise structures.
Others affected by the warning are landing facilities owners, stakeholders and the general public.
NCAA, in statement released by its General Manager, Public Relations, Sam Adurogboye claimed “These 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.
“These landing facilities include construction of Helipad/Helideck for civil use and Heliports.”
Backing the action with relevant provision of the regulatory acts, Adurogboye cited the Civil Aviation Act. 2006 Part IX (30) (L) which empowers NCAA to prohibit, regulate and remove any structure which, by virtue of its height or position, is considered to endanger the safety of aircraft operations.
He further cited the Civil Aviation Act. 2006 Part IX (30) (K) which stipulates that the Authority will grant and certify licences for the construction of Helipads, Helidecks, and Heliports.
The regulatory authority therefore warned It is an exercise in illegality to operate into a heliport (surface level, elevated or helideck) without its approvals.
Similarly, for those who want to renew their heliport certificate, the statement added that the Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) Part 12.10.6 highlights that Heliports operators are required to commence the process of renewal of Heliport Certificate not less than 90 days to the date of expiration of the certificate.
Adurogboye submitted that the Regulatory Authority is compelled to issue this warning as part of its oversight responsibilities which is principally safety and security of flight operations in and out of Nigerian airspace.
He said that NCAA will therefore view very seriously and run the rule over any violation of these safety measures; even as he advised that all stakeholders should be guided.
