The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a
weather alert to all Pilots indicating hazards associated with Harmattan dust
haze in flight operations at this period of the year. This is according to an
online statement by the authority through the General Manager Public Affairs,
Mr. Fan Ndubuoke.
The statement further expressed that this warning is
important as Harmattan is known to pose an obvious threat to aircraft
particularly in areas of challenging terrains due to low visibility.
This alert is in line with the Seasonal Rainfall
Prediction issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) on the
cessation of rainy season in 2014.
The Harmattan is a dry and dusty wind that blows
southwards from the Sahara across the country between the end of November to
March, the following year.
On its passage over the desert, it picks up large amount
of fine dust particles (0.5 to 10 micrometers) which are transported hundreds
of kilometres over the south.
The effect of the dust and sand stirred by the wind is
known as Harmattan Dust Haze.
In addition, the consequence of the Harmattan is a heavy
fog hence air – to – ground visibility is considerably reduced.
Aerodrome visibility may fall below the prescribed minima
and in severe conditions; dust haze can blot out runways, the markers and
airfield lightings over wide areas. This makes visual navigation extremely
difficult or impossible.
Resultantly, where visibility falls below the prescribed
weather minima, flight operations are likely to be delayed, diverted or
outrightly cancelled.
Therefore, all Pilots shall obtain adequate departure, en
route and destination weather information and briefing from NIMET prior to
flight operations at all the airports.
Pilots are similarly advised to exercise maximum
restraint when strong surface wind, fog or harmattan haze is observed or
forecast.
No comments:
Post a Comment