The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued the first Remotely Piloted Aircraft/Drones Operators Certificate (ROC) to One of the oil companies in Nigeria.
The company received the certificate having satisfied the requirements and found competent to secure the safe operation of the Aircraft type Lockheed Martins SN 248-255.
Thus the organization is pioneering the issuance of certificate to civil/private operators in the unmanned aircraft operations category.
The certificate is for flights with the purpose of aerial work specifically Environmental Observation Monitoring and Protection.
At the presentation of the certificate in Lagos, the NCAA Director-General, Captain Muhtar Usman advised the company to ensure strict compliance with all the requirements for the grant of an approval.
According to him, the company must adhere to all requirements for the maintenance of an approval applicable to each of the operations specifications.
Captain Usman enjoined the recipient to expect some initial minor challenges, which are not entirely unexpected in any new initiative, adding that the Nigerian Civil NCAA would be very agile in responding to these challenges.
Taking cognizance of the rapid pace of technological development, the DG said the RPAS regulatory framework is a work in progress and we shall continually engage the industry stakeholders to review the regulations when necessary.
Responding the General Manager, Operations of the company, Mr. Anthony Sawyer promised his company would abide by all the conditions attached to the certificate especially with their pioneer status.
Sawyer said the procedures were rigorous but we were convinced the Authority was doing the right thing in line with its oversight responsibilities.Oando will definitely abide by all the conditions attached to the certificate especially with our pioneer status.
The RPAS Operators Certificate (ROC) is remain in force till 15th June, 2019 and shall be carried on site during each authorized/approved operations.
To qualify for the issuance of certificate, applicants are expected to undergo five phases. These are as follows, Pre-Application, Formal Application, Document Evaluation, Demonstration & Inspection and Certification phases.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) promised to continue to provide opportunities and level playing field for all prospective and existing operators in all categories of aviation and its allied services.
