Monte Collins Darteh (Monte OZ)’s Post

Promise to use technology to enhance aviation and marine safety made by the new NSIB chief Alex Badeh Jr., the recently appointed Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), has promised to use data and cutting-edge technology to increase aviation and marine safety throughout the nation. During the handover ceremony yesterday in Abuja, former NSIB DG Akin Olateru provided a promise to Badeh that they would use state-of-the-art technology to revolutionize safety standards by proactively identifying and resolving any dangers. In addition to representatives from all government ministries, departments, and organizations, he promised to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and other relevant parties such as airlines, marine authorities, and train operators. "With his five-point agenda for the ministry, which houses the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, the Minister has mapped out a clear course," he remarked. It is a privilege to be a member of the steering committee for this journey, and I am totally dedicated to carrying out the agenda's first item, which is to guarantee tight adherence to safety rules and consistently raise Nigeria's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) rating. "I want the NSIB to be known for the revolutionary strides in transportation safety that we pioneer, not for the disasters we look into. We won't just respond to mishaps; instead, we'll take proactive measures to avoid them altogether. "We will use data, technology, and human creativity to create a world where every trip is done with confidence and every mile is traveled with the knowledge that one will arrive home safely. "I have four main pillars paving my road forward: First, a firm dedication to quality. As the Director-General, it is my primary responsibility to further the Minister's objectives by making it a top priority for all forms of transportation to embrace worldwide safety standards. "We will not only be focused on compliance; we will also be committed to bringing about revolutionary change in order to create a safer future. An all-year round multimodal transportation system devoid of accidents is our aim. Although it is a lofty objective, it is doable. "In order to accomplish this, we will use state-of-the-art technology to transform safety procedures, proactively recognizing and mitigating possible risks and providing astute advice to the appropriate authorities." Second, cooperation between agencies and sectors. "In the aviation industry, we will work together with airlines and authorities to improve safety management systems. In order to improve safety protocols in all maritime operations—from passenger ferries to fishing boats and cargo ships—we will collaborate with relevant maritime stakeholders. "We will collaborate with the railway corporation's leadership to integrate cutting-edge technology in order to greatly reduce the risk of intrusion, accident, an...

Namibia’s aviation safety score increases: Namibia has reported a marked improvement in its civil aviation safety system and supervision capabilities. According to preliminary data released by the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) there has been a commendable rise in the effective implementation across the eight critical elements of aviation safety, with the percentage climbing from 57,39% in 2016 to an average of 72,31% in 2024. “The NCAA is pleased to announce that our current performance exceeds the average effective implementation of eastern and southern Africa, which stands at 60%, as well as the global average, which stands at 69,3%,” says Bethuel Mujetenga, the board chairperson of the NCAA. He says Namibia did not attract any potential significant safety concerns (SSC). “An SSC does not necessarily indicate a particular safety deficiency in the air navigation service providers, airlines (air operators), aircraft or aerodrome, but rather indicates that the state is not providing sufficient safety oversight to ensure the effective implementation of applicable International Civil Aviation Organisation (Icao) standards,” Mujetenga says. The effective implementation percentages for the critical elements of the Namibian civil aviation system are as follows: primary legislation (86,21%), specific operating regulations (72,22%), organisation (81,03%), qualification of technical personnel (60,47%), technical guidance and tools (92,73%), approvals, certifications, licensing (72,47%), surveillance obligations (52,48%) and safety resolutions (56,1%). Aerodrome ground aids and airworthiness showed an improvement, compared to the 2016 audit. “This significant improvement is primarily due to the implementation of regulations and certification of the two international airports, namely Hosea Kutako and Walvis Bay. Furthermore, due to the approval of the aviation service operators in the maintenance organisations,” Mujetenga says. He says oversight capabilities over the industry are relatively low, as reflected by the results. “Currently inspectors conduct surveillance mainly on new service providers or, alternatively, during the renewal phase of its business. Similarly, the critical shortage of inspectors is an area that is receiving our attention to enhance our surveillance,” Mujetenga says. He says the NCAA is obligated to increase its surveillance over the industry and the industry should expect more on-site visits from its inspectors. To address the critical deficiencies identified in the qualification of technical personnel, surveillance obligations and safety resolutions, the NCAA has prioritised the training, attraction and retention of critical skills in its integrated strategic business plan to enable inspectors to enhance surveillance capabilities and intensify its safety resolutions. The audit commenced on 6 March and concluded on 18 March. Mujetenga says…

How Many Crew Are Required On An Aircraft? Let's take a look at how many flight attendants are required to be on board with you and the other passengers. The role of flight crew on passenger flights is much more than conducting safety briefings and handing out food and beverages to passengers. While almost always taken for granted by passengers, flight attendants ensure many aspects of a safe and smooth flights, including safety and well-being of passengers, safety and security of the aircraft, cleanliness, communication, and planning. Although passengers may learn to recognize the faces of those responsible for their section of the cabin, particularly on long-haul flights, most would be hard-pressed to say how many crew there were on the plane. Let's take a look at the requirements for the minimum number of flight crew required on board commercial flights. https://hubs.li/Q02z2c040 #aviation #jobs #careers #aviationjobs #aviationcareers #aviationindustry #hiring #jobopportunity #airlines #airports #airlinejobs #airportjobs

Safety in the Skies “There's simply no substitute for experience in terms of aviation safety.” So said Capt Chesley Sullenberger. Yes, he is The “Sully”, best known for his action as captain of US Airways Flight 1549 that he ditched in the Hudson River in 2009 after both engines were disabled by a bird strike. All 155 people aboard survived. For those in air cargo, safety is of prime importance. In fact, it is a must. The responsibility for ensuring safety comes not only from experience but also from commitment. It will be worthwhile to note some of the safety risks for air cargo transporters that the International Forwarding Association (IFA) has listed. While pointing out that transporting cargo by plane can be an efficient, safe, and quick way to move goods, the IFA says there are some risks that have to be always kept in mind. And, these include human error, extreme weather, turbulence, cargo fires, and hazardous materials. Compounding the transporting issue, there are other factors like communication problems between the crew and the airport, and pilot error. Let’s take a look at the weather. While the north of the country faces fog and visibility problems, there are rains to contend with in the south. Often these weather conditions cause cancellations and delays. Thunderstorms, in particular, can produce heavy rain, hail, high winds, and lightning, all of which can cause damage to cargo and aircraft. Changes in weather conditions can cause postponed takeoff and long delays. The IFA also mentions turbulence. That can be a safety hazard, especially if crew members are injured due to improperly secured or unsecured cargo. It can also cause cargo to move around and shift, resulting in breakage or damage. There can be no mistakes by maintenance personnel, ground crew, and even pilots. These mistakes or oversights could be the cause of accidents and cargo damage. These occur due to errors of judgment, the distraction of attention, and fatigue, resulting in wrong decisions. Human error also occurs due to failure to abide by commands and indiscipline. In addition, documentation errors, mislabeling, and improper loading and unloading can cause delays and accidents. Added to that are errors in documentation, for example, such as incomplete or incorrect information on declarations, customs documents, and labels may prevent air freight from being delivered or cause significant delays. Lastly, major problems could arise because of fire which can occur due to a number of reasons such as storage conditions, packaging used, and the nature of the goods being shipped. Lithium batteries, for instance, are often used to power devices, including, tools, electric toothbrushes, tablets and mobile phones. They can catch fire when transported in large quantities and in case of damage or overheating. Also, some chemicals, including flammable gases and liquids can pose a fire hazard, making proper storage and handling key to preventing air freight accidents.

#AirportSafety Excerpt from ACI 3.14 Disabled Aircraft Removal: ICAO Doc 9137 The airport operator should establish a plan for the safe removal of an aircraft, disabled on or adjacent to the movement area of the airport, and should designate a coordinator to implement the plan, when necessary. Information concerning the office of the airport coordinator for the removal of the disabled aircraft should be made available to aircraft operators. Safety will remain the guiding principle during the whole process. All parties should work closely together and understand the specific requirements of a special flight. The airport operator should request a copy of the disabled aircraft removal plan from each aircraft operator prior to the latter commencing regular operations at the airport. The airport operator should maintain and constantly update its database of relevant contacts in aircraft operators’ operations centres. Key parties to the disabled aircraft removal plan are: the airport operator, aircraft operators, ground handlers, State accident investigators, aircraft manufacturers, Customs officers, Dangerous Goods / HAZMAT specialists, environmental specialists, Workplace Health and Safety officers, insurance representatives, cargo specialists, RFFS personnel, air traffic controllers, MET information providers, specialized equipment operators, construction crews, security staff, NAVAIDS personnel, planning and engineering staff, contractors and consultants, police having jurisdiction, and other interested parties. Good communication between the airport operator and other parties is essential. Contingency plans need to be drawn up to handle an event where a disabled aircraft needs to be moved. This can involve a relatively simple task such as an aircraft with deflated tyres to a full accident recovery requiring lifting and moving of large aircraft. Often this can be a time-pressured situation as the re-opening of the airport can depend on the timely removal of the disabled aircraft. The airport operator should, as part of the emergency preparedness training cycle, include a disabled aircraft removal partial and / or tabletop exercise taking into account the size of the aircraft to be moved and the recovery equipment available. Disabled aircraft removal must be done in a timely and efficient manner, taking into account safety and operational requirements of the the Runway in use.

Enhancing Airline Safety and Security Through Continuous Training and Audits In the ever-evolving landscape of aviation, the safety and security of passengers and crew remain paramount. One of the most effective ways to uphold and elevate these standards is through continuous training, regular reminders, and rigorous on-the-job audits. 1. Continuous Training Aviation professionals face numerous challenges daily, from navigating complex air traffic to ensuring the mechanical integrity of aircraft. Continuous training ensures that all personnel, from pilots to ground crew, stay current with the latest protocols, technologies, and best practices. This ongoing education helps mitigate risks, address emerging threats, and foster a culture of excellence and vigilance. 2. Regular Reminders In a field where the smallest oversight can lead to significant consequences, regular reminders play a crucial role. These reminders, whether through briefings, workshops, or digital communications, help reinforce essential safety protocols and operational procedures. Keeping these critical points top of mind helps maintain high standards of safety and operational efficiency. 3. On-the-Job Audits Audits are not merely compliance exercises; they are opportunities for improvement. On-the-job audits provide a real-time assessment of how well safety protocols are being followed and where there might be gaps. These audits encourage accountability, identify areas for enhancement, and promote a proactive approach to safety management. By regularly evaluating and refining procedures, airlines can prevent incidents before they occur and continuously improve their safety practices. Conclusion The aviation industry’s commitment to safety and security is unwavering. By investing in continuous training, reinforcing knowledge through regular reminders, and conducting thorough on-the-job audits, airlines can significantly enhance their safety and security measures. This multi-faceted approach not only protects lives but also strengthens trust in the aviation industry, ensuring that every flight is as safe and secure as possible. Let’s continue to prioritize and invest in these essential practices to keep the skies safe for everyone. #AviationSafety #ContinuousTraining #SafetyAudits #AirlineSecurity #AviationExcellence

Namibian airports achieve success in ICAO safety audit: Niël Terblanché Namibia’s aviation sector achieved a significant milestone when the Namibia Airports Company along with key stakeholders, successfully passed the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety audit. The certification is the result of the implementation of improved regulatory compliance and safety measures. The audit, which scrutinized the performance of the Hosea Kutako International Airport and the Walvis Bay International Airport, highlighted the country’s dedication to elevating its aviation standards. The results of the audit were announced by the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority’s (NCAA) Executive Director, Toska Sem who pointed to the significant strides made since the last evaluation in 2016. According to Sem, the implementation of more stringent regulations has been crucial in achieving these advancements. She said that the audit covered eight critical elements and areas, with legislation scoring impressively over 90 percent. “Areas such as organization, air navigation services, aircraft accident and incident investigation, aerodrome and ground aids, airworthiness of aircraft, flight operations, and personnel licensing all showed remarkable scores above 60 percent, demonstrating comprehensive improvement across the board,” Sem said. According to Sem, the audit also shed light on areas requiring further attention, particularly the resolution of safety concerns by the NCAA, which was identified as low. Sem stressed the necessity of intensifying the enforcement process to ensure sustained compliance within the industry, highlighting the importance of continuous improvement in maintaining safety standards. The Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme, under which this evaluation was conducted, plays a crucial role in assessing and enhancing the aviation sector’s oversight capabilities. This audit not only serves as a benchmark for Namibia’s aviation safety but also reinforces the country’s commitment to adhering to international standards and recommended practices. By undergoing this rigorous audit, Namibia has reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining high safety standards in its aviation sector, achieving an impressive average score of 72.31 percent. Sem said that the accomplishment reflects the collective effort of the Namibia Airports Company Limited, NCAA, and other stakeholders in prioritizing safety and regulatory compliance, thereby ensuring the well-being of passengers and the efficiency of operations in Namibia’s skies.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced plans to implement two significant actions to address the rapid growth of public charter flights, specifically targeting services like those offered by JSX and Aero. These actions aim to ensure that public charters operate under safety regulations comparable to scheduled airlines. FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker emphasized the agency's proactive approach: “Part of the safety mission of the FAA is identifying risk early on, and that’s exactly what we’re doing on public charters as usage expands. If a company is effectively operating as a scheduled airline, the FAA needs to determine whether those operations should follow the same stringent rules as scheduled airlines.” The FAA first announced its intentions in August 2023, seeking public input and receiving approximately 60,000 comments. The agency plans to amend part 110 definitions of “scheduled”, “on demand”, and “supplemental” operations. Once finalized, public charters will adhere to the same safety parameters as non-public charter operations. Whitaker added, “Safe air travel options should be available to everyone, not limited to only those living near a major airport. We want to put a safety lens over the options of future innovation, as we work to further connect small and rural communities to open up more options for everyone at the same high level of safety.” The FAA will issue the notice of proposed rulemaking promptly, seeking comments on an effective date to allow industry adaptation. The agency will also convene a safety risk management panel (SRMP) to evaluate the feasibility of a new operating authority for scheduled part 135 operations in 10-30 seat aircraft. This initiative is in collaboration with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), focusing on the security of transportation systems. The TSA is reviewing security requirements under the Twelve-Five Standard Security Program (TFSSP), including proposals for passenger screening and accessible property on public charter flights. The TSA's comment period for impacted operators ends on June 27, with ongoing collaboration to refine these measures. #AvfoilNews #FAA #PublicCharterFlights #AviationSafety #JSX #Aero #AviationRegulations #TransportationSecurity #TSA #AirTravelInnovation

Part 2 Post Aviation Safety seriously under thread due reduced training standards of aircraft technical staff in many countries around the world. The many NAA's also hardly perform Quality Audits of a good level, due to the fact that most NAA staff often have no actual hands-on knowledge of the maintenance they are supposed to audit. The saying “you need a thief to catch a thief” is still true. I have seen very few audits related to actual hands-on check of the performed maintenance.   Authorities focus mainly on Paperwork and paper procedures. You can have wall of cabinets filled with procedures, but they tell you nothing about how the work is performed. Is the staff properly trained, do they use the right tools and materials? The proof is in the pudding, isn't it?   During our Covid period 2020 when tens of thousands of aircraft's were grounded worldwide, and most airlines were suddenly confronted with completely NEW maintenance tasks around the parking of aircraft while maintaining them serviceable and how to keep them airworthy.   I dare say, in my country, the Netherlands, none of the authorities even visit any of the airline maintenance departments for 1 minute. Let alone they have had any idea what was happening. I am pretty sure because of talking with my colleagues from many countries this has been the general situation in most countries. The authorities fail in their oversight of airlines and maintenance organisations, I have personally reported very serious safety problems (proof of large-scale fraud with documents) to my own authorities and surprise, surprise, during following audits has never been any of those reports investigated.   I have challenged my own Dutch authorities under the Freedom of information regulation about the audit results over the years 2008 till 2018. I have done this in November 2018. Officially the authorities have to answer such a request with giving access or a determination not to give access, due to a valid reason with 6 weeks with an extension of another 6 weeks. It is now November 2023 5 years since the request. I am still fighting for my rights. Lies, denies, failing to respond, not answering telephone recall, deny by false reasoning, went to court 2022, Then demand from judge to NAA to abide by the rules, still no result. You name it, they have done it.   We have rules, we have authorities who should check on those rules and standards, we have official inspections, but if our own authorities refuse to do their job, we are “ourselves” as technical staff the main line of defences of safety of aviation. Relying on authorities to help you is a waste of time I have learned that the hard way.   Mail me with comments at fred.bruggeman@airengineers.org  

Bridging the Gap: Integrating Aviation Practices for Enhanced Maritime Safety The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) recently released a comprehensive summary detailing marine casualties and incidents involving ships registered under the flags of European Union Member States. Spanning from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2022, this report sheds light on critical aspects of maritime safety. Throughout this period, Eurostat recorded a solitary major accident in commercial air transport within the EU involving EU-registered aircraft. An exception occurred in 2015, marked by the tragic crash of a German aircraft in the French Alps, resulting in 150 fatalities. The conceptual parallelism between the aircraft cockpit and the maritime vessel's bridge is not a mere abstraction. Noteworthy is the collaborative research conducted by the Dutch, Finnish, Swedish, and Norwegian Maritime authorities, culminating in the derivation of Bridge Resource Management (BRM) from their comprehensive examination of Cockpit Resource Management (CRM) principles within the aviation industry. While the aviation sector celebrated the implementation of CRM as a milestone, subsequent research identified the imperative for critical components supporting CRM to effectively reduce and mitigate risks during flight operations. Consequently, aviation introduced Threat and Error Management (TEM), Flight Data Monitoring (FDM), and Line Operations Safety Audits (LOSA) to proactively address risks associated with threat and error management. Presently, an impressive 95% of all commercial flights undergo LOSA and FDM processes. Regrettably, the maritime industry has yet to universally embrace such comprehensive safety measures. Despite the introduction of certain elements, such as dual watchkeeping in the cruise sector, the holistic integration of Threat and Error Management (TEM), Flight Data Monitoring (FDM), or Line Operations Safety Audits (LOSA) remains conspicuously absent on a widespread commercial basis. This divergence prompts a call to action for stakeholders within the maritime industry. Reflection upon the successes realized in the aviation sector through the adoption of CRM and its complementary safety measures is paramount. The introduction of elements such as TEM, FDM, and LOSA holds significant potential to elevate risk mitigation strategies during maritime operations. In conclusion, the time has come for the maritime industry to bridge the gap and leverage the advancements made in aviation safety practices. Embracing CRM and its auxiliary measures such as AI of a ‘data rich’ industry can foster a maritime environment that is not only safer but also more resilient in the face of evolving challenges. I look forward to an engaging debate from our Maritime Community Captain Justin S. Lawes GDL LLM Master Mariner European Maritime Safety Agency Incidents Statistics 2014-2022