The Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) recently hosted a five-day Aircraft Investigation Course in Monrovia, Liberia, bringing together seven countries and the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA) to improve aviation safety in Africa.
The workshop aimed to help African countries meet their obligations under the Chicago Convention by establishing effective aviation safety oversight systems.
The participating countries included Liberia, Gambia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Guinea, Togo, and Cabo Verde.
The course provided essential tools and knowledge for basic aircraft accident and incident investigation, including the management of accident investigation, stakeholder responsibility, and flight recorders.
It also covered accident investigation processes, ADREP, and aircraft accident investigation report writing.
In his opening remarks, BAGAIA Commissioner Charles Irikefe Erhueh emphasized the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and resource pooling to boost research and improve aviation safety on the continent.
He highlighted the workshop as an opportunity for professional growth, international cooperation, and commitment to aviation safety.
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) representative Nicolas Leroy emphasized the primary goal of the training: fostering an environment of collaboration and open dialogue.
“Each of you brings a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to the table, and we can truly enhance our understanding and effectiveness in air safety investigations through the exchange of these varied viewpoints.”
Captain Moses Weefur, Commissioner/CEO of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of Liberia, stressed the importance of the training, stating that accidents can happen due to human error, machine failure, or environmental factors.
He encouraged participants to work together as colleagues in the subregion.
Liberia’s CAA representative, Juius D. Dennis Jr., highlighted the country’s need to change its dismal Effective Implementation (EI) score, which was categorized as non-compliant in the recent ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program.
“The way forward to achieve this objective entails collaboration, cooperation and the pooling of efforts and resources. Training, therefore, becomes a critical aspect in this regard.”
According to him, the training is a significant step towards improving aviation safety and development not only for Liberia but the entire subregion.
