The Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria (AIB-N) has commenced the provision of technical support for the setting up of the Sierra Leone Aircraft Accident Incident Investigation Bureau (SL-AAIIB).
This was marked by the conclusion of a recent fact-finding mission to the Sierra Leone Aircraft Accident Incident Investigation Bureau (SL-AAIIB) by the Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria (AIB-N).
This is the second time AIB-N will be assisting member countries in the sub region to establish their independent investigation agencies. It offered similar support to Gambia in establishing its accident investigation agency.
The agency, which is rated as a regional leader in aircraft accident investigation, has also assisted Sao Tome and Principe to conduct investigations into aircraft crashes.
The team led by Adeniji Oni examined the Establishment of SL-AAIIB, Development of Legislation, Regulations, Manuals and Guidance Materials.
The AIB-N team also reviewed the development of training policies and programmes for investigators (Initial, Simulators and Specialized); and how the SL-AAIIB should prepare for ICAO Audits and the implementation of Corrective Action Plan, following any gap identified.
The initiative to assist the government of Sierra Leone in the set up and commencement of SL-AAIB was at the instance of the Commissioner AIB-N, Akin Olateru, an aircraft engineer and Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.
Speaking on behalf of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) Director-General, the Director of Corporate Services, Alex Pratt, stated: “Let me, on behalf of the Director-General, thank you very much for the work done in this brief period. The SLCAA welcomes the recommendations made so far, and promises they would be carefully followed and implemented,” he said.
The SL-AAIIB Commissioner, Olubunmi Wellington thanked the Nigeria delegation for the technical support rendered in the establishment of the SL-AAIIB.
