..harps on foreign pilots undergoing an Environmental Familiarization Course in Nigeria.
Amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the United Airlines landing in Asaba instead of Abuja, Comrade Abednego Galadima, the National President of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), strongly criticized the use of expatriates as airline crew in Nigeria.
Galadima expressed concern at the 10th Annual General Meeting of the National Air Traffic Communicators Association in Kano, emphasizing that employing foreign crews without adherence to the expatriate quota is unacceptable.
He highlighted the situation where some entities with Air Operator Certificates (AOC) enter leased agreements (ACMI) solely for commission without any benefit to Nigeria.
He raised alarm about the lack of training or skill improvement for Nigerian pilots and engineers, asserting that foreign crews often operate independently without engaging with local professionals.
Describing the incident as worrisome with serious safety implications, Galadima questioned the deviation from the flight plan and stressed the need for foreign pilots to undergo an Environmental Familiarization Course in Nigeria.
He called for the reinstatement of a 60:40 crew policy and commended the Minister of Aviation for swiftly addressing the issue.
The NAAPE President, emphasized the importance of Nigerian pilots not being overshadowed by foreign counterparts and urged the immediate reintroduction of relevant training programs to ensure familiarity with the Nigerian airspace.
