The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has clarified why a 75‑year‑old pilot was allowed to fly the private aircraft that landed on a newly constructed road in Ogwashi‑Uku, Delta State.

According to NCAA, the aircraft was American‑registered (N989BC) and both the pilot and his 70‑year‑old co‑pilot held valid U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) licences. This meant they were operating under U.S. aviation rules, which do not impose the same age restrictions as Nigeria’s regulations.

Key Points

• Age Limit Difference: Nigeria requires commercial pilots to retire at 65, but U.S. rules allow older pilots to fly if medically cleared.
• Flight Plan: The aircraft was scheduled to land at Asaba Airport, but after a go‑around, the pilot diverted and landed on the road.
• Unauthorized Takeoff: NCAA condemned the pilot’s decision to take off from the road without clearance, calling it a serious violation.
• Investigation: The Nigerian Safety Investigation Board (NSIB) is probing the incident, while NCAA has suspended the operator’s permit pending outcome.

Broader Implications
The case highlights regulatory gaps between Nigerian and international aviation standards, especially regarding pilot age. It also raises safety concerns about unauthorized landings and takeoffs in public areas.