Following the preliminary report released by the Accident Investigative Body (AIB), concerning Quorum Aviation helicopter crash, yesterday September 21st 2020.
The Quorum Aviation, operator of the crashed Bell 206 helicopter has debunked the preliminary report, stating that the pilot to the crashed helicopter did not have a valid proficiency check and no exemption was requested from the regulatory body, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Sequel to this claim, the aviation company has released its letter dated August 18, 2020 to NCAA requesting for exemption signed by its Managing Director and Accountable Manager, Abiola Lawal.
The letter titled “Request for the extension of our pilot’s recency our ref: NCAA/DOT/GEN012/20/002” was said to have been written in reference to the earlier exemption document by the NCAA to all Nigerian operators.
The letter read, “Given the challenges of the Covid-19 in organizing additional crew travel and training, we hereby wish to request for the exemption/extension of our pilots Captain Chika Prudence Ernest License ATPL (H) 6245 under the above exemption granted by the DG in the above reference circular.”
“His proficiency expires on the 24 of August 2020 and his comprehensive medical are valid until the 6th of August 2023.”
Captain Prudence is a well experienced Helicopter pilot and experienced PIC on the Bell 206 and we kindly appreciate if this application can be promptly approved to continue operations.”
” We are hopeful subsequently that things would have settled down post COVID for early next year travel for future proficiencies when exemption validity expires 31st December 2020 per the circular”.
The Bureau in its findings reported, “The Pilot’s last Proficiency Check was valid till 24th August 2020. There was no evidence to show that an application for the exemption provided by the AOL DG018/20 had been submitted to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.”