Following a comprehensive operational audit by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and extensive return-to-service set of safety activities by Bristow Helicopters, the NCAA has authorised that the helicopter service company resume operations.
The General Manager, Public Affairs, NCAA, Sam Adurogboye, told SUNDAY PUNCH that Bristow was given approval to resume operations following the agency’s satisfaction with the report of its audit team.
The regulatory agency had on February 4 suspended the operation of he company’s Sikorsky S-76C type of aircraft till further notice in order to carry out full scale audit on its operations.
The suspension came on the heels of the controlled ditching of one of Bristow’s aircraft on Wednesday, February 3.
The NCAA audit involved a detailed safety inspection of 16 S-76 series helicopters in Bristow fleet and a test flight of all.
Meanwhile, a statement by Cornelius Onuoha of Verdant Zeal, publicists to Bristow Helicopters, confirmed that the Sikorsky S-76 aircraft series returned to service on Saturday.
“We thank the NCAA for conducting a thorough review of our operations,” the statement quoted Bristow Group Vice President, Global Operations, Mike Imlach as saying.
(Punch)
