BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
For better knowledge and handling of aircraft accidents, eight African nations and the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA) will be attending the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) Aircraft Investigation Course aimed at improving aviation safety in Africa.
The countries including: Liberia, Gambia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Guinea, Togo, Cabo Verde have arrived for the five-day workshop from June 3-7, 2024 at the Farmington Hotel, Monrovia.
The event was also designed to assist African Members in meeting the obligations under the Chicago Convention in establishing an effective aviation safety oversight system.
It will equally provide tools and knowledge necessary for basic aircraft accident and incident investigation.
It also addresses the management of accident investigation and stakeholder responsibility, MOUs, flight recorders and downloads.
Furthermore, it will examine Accident investigation processes, ADREP and aircraft accident investigation report writing.
In his opening Speech, BAGAIA Commissioner, Charles Irikefe Erhueh said the workshop will strengthen collaborations, sharing knowledge, skills, and resources to boost research on the continent.
Additionally, he said the event is not only an opportunity for professional improvement but also a moment to celebrate international cooperation and commitment to aviation safety.
Mr Nicolas Leroy, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) representative and main facilitator said the primary goal of the training is to foster an environment of collaboration and open dialogue.
He said, “Each of you brings a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to the table, and we can truly enhance our understanding and effectiveness in air safety investigations through the exchange of these varied viewpoints.”
In his welcome address, Captain Moses Weefur, Commissioner/CEO Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of Liberia dwelled on the import of the training.
Captain Weefur, posited that no one wants an accident but accidents do happen due to human error, machine failure or environmental factors.
He advises the participants that they are mingling with other investigators whom they will be working hand in hand with within the subregion as colleagues going forward.
While declaring the event open, Mr. Juius D. Dennis Jr. of the Liberia CAA hinted that the country needs to change the narrative of its dismal Effective Implementation (EI) score.
According to him, it was categorised as non- compliant in the recent International Civil Aviation Organization, Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program, Continuous Monitoring Audit (ICAO USOAP/CMA).
He said, “We must change this narrative by taking these progressive steps in actualizing the implementation of the CAP that should mitigate and alleviate the discrepancies and anomalies identified.
“The way forward to achieve this objective entails collaboration, cooperation and the pooling of efforts and resources. Training, therefore, becomes a critical aspect in this regard.”
He described the training and others before as significant progressive steps aimed at improving aviation safety and development not only for Liberia but the subregion as a whole.
