AIB trains investigators, to use drones for probes

Accident Investigation Bureau Nigeria (AIB) has trained 10 investigators on the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) popularly referred to as drones, to ensure data accuracy and enhancement of investigation by the agency.

Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AIB, Akin Olateru, at the closing ceremony of the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) training for investigators, said the agency would not relent on its efforts to enhance human capacity building, not just for the industry, but for the country at large.

Olateru explained that in 2019 alone, AIB trained its investigators in the United Kingdom, United States and several other countries, and vowed that the management would continue to invest in human capacity to increase the safety of the airspace.

He noted that the current management, had raised the profile of AIB from a sleeping agency to a more vibrant one, noting that management had also improved the equipment, infrastructure, training and welfare for staff, while it had a new Condition of Service (CoS) approved for staff.

He hinted that the training was the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) approved RPAS training according to the advisory circular GAD-AC-002B, which has been formed in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) RPAS Operations Document 10019, Section 8.4.31 internationally and the NCAA General advisory GAD-AC-002 Section 4.7/ Appendix E29 locally. He said the document was currently under extensive review by the NCAA.

Olateru emphasised that drone technology had become very critical to modern aircraft accident investigation, which included first responder capability, on-time post-crash site preservation capability, gathering, preservation and analysis of crash site evidence, 3D modelling capability and accurate and complete wreckage diagram through site mapping capability.

“Adapting to the latest trends and technologies in accident investigation ensures that our facilities and reports are rated highly all over the world. To ensure that these trends and technologies are effectively and efficiently utilised, our staff need to be regularly trained and retrained.

“At AIB, we believe in investing in our human capital so that they can be able to put in their best in the delivery of their various duties. To make any organisation a success story, human capital remains the greatest asset and you must invest in it. It is important to continuously train and equip the staff, give them support and they must trust you as management for them to be able to deliver on their mandate.

“So far, this ideology has worked greatly for AIB. We now publish our final reports timely, thanks to our adaptation of the latest trends and technologies and rigorous training of our human capital.”

The AIB helmsman declared that deployment of the technology was important to the investigation process, stressing that mishap could occur anywhere.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UFO Aerials Services, Damilola Adelala, extolled the commitment of the trainees, saying they behaved professionally throughout the duration of the course.

He explained that the training acquired during the period would help them to improve their technological-know-how about the job and data gathering.

Besides, Prof. Adebayo Otitoloju, the Managing Director of UNILAG Consult, expressed joy that the consult could partner with AIB to conduct the training for its investigators.