The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned all operators of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) not to construct high rise structures without first seeking clearance,permit and licenses from the Authority for flight safety in the country.
Others affected by the warning are landing facilities owners, stakeholders and the general public.
The Permits, Aviation Height Clearance and Licences, according to a statement from the NCAA, are to be obtained before the construction of, Tower, Telecommunication Masts, High Rise Buildings/Structures and Landing facilities.
While landing facilities include construction of Helipad/Helideck for civil use and Heliports.
This action the statement says was in line with the Civil Aviation Act. 2006 which empowers the Authority to prohibit, regulate and remove any structure which, by virtue of its height or position, is considered to endanger the safety of aircraft operations.
“It is therefore an exercise in illegality to operate into a heliport (surface level, elevated or helideck) without the approval of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)”.
And in addition, the Act. 2006 also stipulated that the Authority would grant and certify licences for the construction of Helipads, Helidecks, and Heliports.
“On the other hand, for those who want to renew their heliport certificate, the Nigeria 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, the statement added.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it would view very seriously any violation of these safety measures.
“The Regulatory Authority is compelled to issue this warning as part of our oversight responsibilities which is principally safety and security of flight operations in and out of Nigerian airspace”.
