The Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency ( BAGAIA) has embarked on an Aircraft Investigation Course for eight African countries and the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency.
The workshop targeted at improving aviation safety in Africa would also assist African Members in meeting the obligations under the Chicago Convention in establishing an effective aviation safety oversight system.
The countries are Liberia, Gambia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Guinea, Togo, Cabo Verde, gathered for the five day ongoing workshop holding from June 3rd to 7th 2024 at the Farmington Hotel, Monrovia.
According to BAGAIA the workshop will provide tools and knowledge necessary for basic aircraft accident and incident investigation.
It will also address the management of accident investigation and stakeholder responsibility, MOUs, flight recorders and downloads.
Furthermore, it will examine accident investigation processes, ADREP and aircraft accident investigation report writing.
In his opening speech, BAGAIA Commissioner, Charles Erhueh, said the workshop will strengthen collaborations, sharing knowledge, skills, and resources to boost research on the continent.
Additionally, he said the event is not only an opportunity for professional improvement but also a moment to celebrate international cooperation and commitment to aviation safety.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), representative and main facilitator,Mr. Nicolas Leroy, said the primary goal of the training is to foster an environment of collaboration and open dialogue.
He said: “Each of you brings a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to the table, and we can truly enhance our understanding and effectiveness in air safety investigations through the exchange of these varied viewpoints.”
During his welcome address, Commissioner/CEO Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of Liberia,
Captain Moses Weefur, dwelt on the import of the training.
He posited that no one wants an accident but accidents do happen due to human error, machine failure or environmental factors.
He advised the participants that they are mingling with other investigators whom they will be working hand in hand within the subregion as colleagues going forward.
While declaring the event open, Mr. Juius Dennis Jr. of the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) hinted that the country needs to change the narrative of its dismal Effective Implementation (EI) score.
According to him, it was categorised as non- compliant in the recent International Civil Aviation Organisation, Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme Continuous Monitoring Audit (ICAO USOAP/CMA).
He said: “We must change this narrative by taking these progressive steps in actualising the implementation of the CAP that should mitigate and alleviate the discrepancies and anomalies identified.
“The way forward to achieve this objective entails collaboration, cooperation and the pooling of efforts and resources. Training, therefore, becomes a critical aspect in this regard.”
He described this training and others before as significant progressive steps aimed at improving aviation safety and development not only for Liberia but the subregion as a whole.