NCAA counters Orji Uzor Kalu over claim of substance abuse by flight crew

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has dismissed allegations made by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu about lapses in pilot preparation, substance use among flight crews, and weaknesses in regulatory oversight. Reacting to Kalus comments made on the Senate floor on Wednesday, October 15, the Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, issued a statement on Thursday, October 16, reaffirming that Nigeria maintains a rigorous, internationally recognised system for certifying and monitoring the medical and professional fitness of all pilots operating within its airspace. Najomo clarified that aviation regulations explicitly prohibit any crew member from operating within eight hours of alcohol consumption or while under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive substances that could impair judgement, alertness, or performance. He said the NCAA conducts random and on-the-spot drug and alcohol testing whenever there is reasonable suspicion of intoxication. According to him, No pilot is permitted to operate a Nigerian-registered aircraft without holding both a valid pilot licence and a current medical certificate, as required by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) Part 8.4.1.4. He explained that pilots holding Commercial Pilot Licences (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot Licences (ATPL) must possess a Class 1 Medical Certificate issued only after comprehensive evaluations by NCAA-authorised aviation medical examiners (AAMEs). These assessments, he said, cover cardiovascular, neurological, psychological, metabolic, respiratory, and visual functions to ensure pilots are fully fit for duty. Najomo added that medical certificates are valid for 12 months for pilots under 40 and six months for those aged 40 and above, after which new medical tests are mandatory before renewal. He emphasised that The regulation makes it clear that an applicant must not suffer from any disease or condition that could suddenly render them unable to perform flight duties safely, adding that the process screens for psychoactive substance use, mental or behavioural disorders, heart and lung diseases, and neurological conditions that could impact performance.  The post NCAA counters Orji Uzor Kalu over claim of substance abuse by flight crew appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.