Nigerian airspace

[jydo]

Well my name is jide and i am Air traffic controller (well in training). I have always been an advocate of a forum whereby Air traffic controllers and Pilots (Local and International) flying within the Kano FIR come together and discuss the daily problems we encounter, so as to seek a solution to these problems. You are welcome to air your opinions on this thread about the lapses in the system so we can all benefit from the experiences. A brief introduction would be welcomed too, thanks :ok:

[Trim Stab]

Well how about for a start bringing Nigeria forward into the 19th Century? Have you heard of "internet" and "gps"?

Just maybe you could realise that flight plans are not just a means to keep lots of useless relatives of the NCAA/FAAN officials in pointless bureaucratic jobs extracting money from operators, and instead adopt the ACARS system so that pilots are not constantly having to read out their FPLs every time they change FIR? Maybe you could adopt GPS clocks so that you read from the same accurate satellite controlled timings that we pilots have in our aircraft and not that tick-tock clock on the wall of your office that may not have been reset since the last power cut?

[atedo]

:ugh:Give the young man a cool start. Trim Stab you will end up scaring him

[eckhard]

Hi Jide / jydo. Thanks for your post and for your idea to share and discuss problems.

I was based in Jos for a couple of years in the mid-70s doing aerial survey work in a Dove. We were surveying the construction of the Federal Capital District (Abuja) and landed at Kano, Kaduna and Ikeja. More recently, I have operated scheduled service in a 747 from London to Lagos and Abuja, as well as flying through the FIR on the way to Southern African destinations.

One way to improve communications would be for the ATC controllers to talk a bit slower. That way the pilot wouldn't have to ask for information to be repeated, which would ultimately save time.

A few years ago, the NOTAM information regarding serviceability of navaids and airfield lighting was not very reliable. I don't know if that situation has improved?

Anyway, I hope you get some useful feedback and that you can actually effect some changes where required.

Is there anything that we pilots could do differently that would make your working day easier?

[BALEWA]

INTERNET
GPS
ACARS SYSTEMS
GPS CLOCKS

What's all this now....
I guess its the way to fly in the 19th century. What happened to all the fun.

Hello Jydo, Welcome to pprune, don't let them scare you on here. We still have a good bunch of real aviators here whom I'm sure will respond to your post and privately PM you also.

So controller in training eh. Brave of you old boy "Lagos Wahala Plenty" ...
I know a couple of your colleagues and have a lot of respect for them. when we are confronted with the state of the equipment they have to work with I would personally not show up for work believe me.

Thank you for being there for us.

I´havnt heard Felix over Lagos for a while how is he...

[jydo]

Sounds like you have been hurt quite a few times while crossing this border. Well tbf i understand your frustration as well as other pilot's with the backward process still being implemented in the country especially with respect to the FPLs but theres not much i can do on that front to change anything. if pilots could continuously make a formal complaints to both NCAA and NAMA i'm pretty sure a change would be made.

[jydo]

Thanks for this feedback and sorry for the late response. well i'm pretty sure there has been quite a few improvements with generation of Notams and some Nav aids facilities.

The system in general is still and upcoming one and probably going to take some time and joint effort from all parties before it comes up to speed. With respect to talking very fast, I too am at fault when it comes to that and would try and work on it. i think the only problem i have encountered with pilots flying within the airspace is generally impatience and sometimes not adhering too ATC instruction maybe due not understanding the Clearance or just being stubborn. How often do you come around ?

[jydo]

lol thank you very much sir. i give myself a pat on the back whenever i get home after an incident free day with the state of things at work some times. But its something i enjoy doing so i always look forward to going the next day. Regarding Felix im not sure i have had the opportunity to meet him yet because i'm based in Abuja for now. Do you fly for any of the commercial Airlines here ?

[where ever what ever]

I'm based out of Lagos and came to Nigeria from West Africa. Lagos and Kano are quite a challenge for the uninitiated for sure. What I found was the younger copilot followed the lead of the hardened locals pilot in the radio procedure often due to need. For example, from Abuja to Lagos at rush hour is a free for all. I hear every day people stepping on each other, the the ATC has to repeat clearences as the first guy never gets a chance to confirm with a read back. Over all the airways are just too congested.

We have suggested many times to split the Lagos approach into East/West with two frequencies with two muster points to arrange arrives during rush hour. As its done in other parts of the world with flow control

Anyway, one step at a time I guess

[fox niner]

Stop asking for the souls on board.
The tripple is full.

And the locals answer that question by saying something like “2 minus 14”. What the @#€*&@# are they trying to achieve by saying that?

[Phantom Driver]

where ever what ever;10369547]I'm based out of Lagos and came to Nigeria from West Africa. Lagos and Kano are quite a challenge for the uninitiated for sure. What I found was the younger copilot followed the lead of the hardened locals pilot in the radio procedure often due to need. For example, from Abuja to Lagos at rush hour is a free for all. I hear every day people stepping on each other, the the ATC has to repeat clearences as the first guy never gets a chance to confirm with a read back. Over all the airways are just too congested.

So, not a lot has changed in the past 40 years......https://www.pprune.org/images/infopop/icons/icon9.gif

[expattone]

Hi Jydo, I helped to set up Express Airways Nigeria (Kaduna) Ltd., The guys in the Control Towers were (generally) helpful. They knew that without airlines operating, their jobs weren't required. As pilots, we found it useful to chat, when we were on the ground, to establish a personal relationship (or, at least, I did). I wish you all the best in your career. Keep it clear. Keep it short and keep it slow. Saves all that "Please say again" stuff. Cheers.