NCAA Extends AOC Validity To 5 Years

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reviewed Air Operator Certificate (AOC) license for airlines offering scheduled flight operations from three to five years.

The NCAA also said for non-scheduled operators like private jets operators, their license will now be valid for three years.

Speaking at the stakeholders’ engagements, the director general, NCAA Captain Musa Nuhu said the stakeholders’ consultation coming shortly after the publication of the Civil Aviation Act 2022 is to get critical inputs into the regulations before they are published.

He said the stakeholders’ consultation is in accordance with the obligation imposed on the Authority in Sec 31(5) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022 which states that “in the exercise of its power to make regulations under this section, the Authority shall consult with stakeholders including airlines, aerodrome operators, air traffic control service providers, consumers and other relevant bodies and organisations in the aviation industry.

He said this review is contained in the proposed amendment to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs).

In the proposed regulation, remotely piloted aircraft (drones) will also be officially regulated.

The regulation also features amendments to penalties for fractions and other critical amendments.

According to him, “Stakeholders are invited to note that all comments received from stakeholders pursuant to the Notice of Proposed Amendments (NPA) published on 12th February 2023 in accordance with the approved NCAA rule-making process manual will be responded to by the NCAA.

“I am optimistic that during these three days of deliberation, the aviation professionals and experts present physically or virtually will assist the Authority to derive a near perfect Regulations for the advancement of Civil Aviation in Nigeria.”