NCAA Begins 2026 Seminar for Pilot Examiners, Check Airmen

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), through the Directorate of Operations, Licensing and Training Standards (DOLTS), on May 12, 2026, in Abuja, commenced its annual seminar for Designated Pilot Examiners and Check Airmen themed “Strengthening Safety Standards and Compliance.”

The aim of the three-day seminar is to improve operational standards, reinforce regulatory oversight and promote best practices in pilot training, examination and certification within Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Delivering his opening address, the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, represented by Director of Operations, Licensing and Training Standards, Capt. Donald Spiff, welcomed participants and stressed the importance of professionalism, integrity, objectivity and continuous learning in the conduct of pilot skill tests and proficiency checks.

While acknowledging the critical role played by designated pilot examiners and check airmen in maintaining aviation safety standards, Capt. Najomo maintained that examiners must remain unbiased and objective while assessing pilot competence.

According to him, aviation safety depends heavily on the quality of training, evaluation and adherence to internationally accepted standards, adding that the seminar would provide an opportunity for participants to deliberate on current regulatory requirements, exchange knowledge and improve operational efficiency.

In attendance were NCAA Directors, General Managers, aviation safety experts, designated pilot examiners, check airmen, representatives of approved training organisations, flight instructors and other stakeholders from across the aviation industry.

Highlights of the event included safety and security briefings and technical presentations on pilot examiner requirements, skill test standards, crew resource management, English language proficiency and regulatory compliance under the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs).