TheCable

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it will sanction airline operators and flight crew who allow unauthorised personnel into the cockpit during flight operations.

According to NAN, Musa Nuhu, the director-general, NCAA, issued the warning in a letter dated October 25.

He described the unauthorised access of passengers to the cockpit as “distractions” and a “worrisome development”.

“It has been brought to the notice of the authority of a worrisome development in which passengers are admitted into the flight deck (cockpit) especially on commercial air transport flights,” he said.

”Aircraft flight decks are designated sterile working environment and the presence of unauthorised persons is both a distraction to safe flight operations and potential security.

“In addition, it is a violation of Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations ( NCARs) 8.5.1.12 and 8.5.1.13.

“All operators and flight crews are hereby warned to desist from admitting unauthorised persons into the cockpit during all phases of flight operations with immediate effect,” he said.

Nuhu said a violation of the directive would attract sanctions, and punishment would be meted out to both the operators and flight crew.