$1.5million for Flight Data Analysis Capability
| One million five hundred thousand Dollar($1.5million) has been proposed to develop integration of Flight Data Analysis Capability for member states of the Banjul Accord Accident investigation Agency (BAGAIA) It is expected to provide each state with a core analysis capability with the world-class Nigerian AIB existing Flight Data Recorder/Cockpit Voice Recorder(DR/CVR) Safety laboratory as the central hub for expert technical support. Engineer Charles Irikefe Erhueh,BAGIA Commissioner unveiled the plan during the week as a guest of the Guinean Civil Aviation Authority in Conakry where he discussed the importance of the regional aircraft accident investigative body and steps taken to keep it thriving. He told his hosts the importance of the establishment of an independent Investigation body separate from Civil Aviation Authority in Guinea to investigate aircraft accidents hoping that Guinea will show interest just as Sierra Leone and others have done. He enjoined the Guinea Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to deepen the country’s membership of BAGAIA by meeting their obligations to the regional body, especially with regards clearing their outstanding subscription. Welcoming Engineer Irikefe,theBAGAIA Commissioner to Conakry, Guinean Civil Aviation Authority Director General, Mr. Mamady Kaba promised that independent Investigation Agency will be established in few months to come, being that the Act is in the final stage to see to it come to fruition. “The papers for the creation of the AIG was created 3 years ago and they are looking forward for it assent into law” that they are willing to clear of the outstanding when the Act is signed into law with the measure they will put in place. The BAGAIA boss was happy and assured the commitment of BAGAIA to member states in ensuring that the country is up to speed as aviation is global. Both commissioners deliberated on issues involving who pays for Investigation when it is delegated to BAGAIA, and the commissioner in response stated that only logistics will be handled by the state of occurrence since they are contributing their quota as enshrined in the Agreement. Engr.Erhue went on and explained that there are so many values to tap or gain from BAGAIA activities with offerings of trainings and assistance in Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) activities and collaboration with other states as the case may be. On the proposal for Flight Data Analysis Capability for Member States as highlighted in the commissioner’s presentation, the proposal once it reaches fruition will provide each State with a core Flight Data Analysis capability with the world-class Nigerian Accident Investigation Bureau(AIB) existing FDR/CVR Safety laboratory as the central hub for expert technical support. According to the presentation each BAGAIA State to receive: Laptop/workstation with Flight Data Analysis Software, Audio Analysis Software, Flight Animation Software. He stated that the laptop provides field capability to participate with the State of Occurrence Centrally coordinated contract from BAGAIA with each State contributing; expand on existing FDR/CVR lab in Abuja with Satellite capabilities. The BAGAIA Commissioner in his remarks thanked the DG and his cabinet for the warm reception received since his arrival. He also visited the Air Navigation Agency of Guinea and had brief meeting the Director General Mr. Soumah Ahmed Tidiane with the deputy Hadja Oumou Diallo where he was welcome. The Commissioner also reiterated the need to embrace good working relationship with an independent Investigation body with hope that it main objective is not to apportion blame or liability to ensure that safety recommendations are made for better of the industry at large. Similar visit was made to the Airport Fire Commandant Mr. Alpha Camara and his team with a stop at the Guinean meteorology agency. |
