Striving to improve Ghana’s aviation safety and security standards in extending well-coordinated aircraft accident and incident investigations, the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau(AIB) is conducting a five-day training programme for newly appointed investigators.
The training which kick-started on Thursday in Accra accommodates 20 participants from Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Ghana Airports Company Limited and Ghana Airforce among other relevant stakeholders who are being equipped with technical knowledge of an indoctrination programme focusing on aircraft accident investigation techniques and how to collect, document and preserve evidence-
The training resonates well with the Chicago Convention and the Standards and Recommended Practices in International Civil Aviation Organisation Annexes 13 and 19 which focus mainly o keeping investigators abreast with processes and procedures that govern the conduct of investigations into aircraft accidents and incidents.
Officially opening the programme, AIB Acting Commissioner Akwasi Agyeibi Prempeh said the training will also concentrate on the depth of investigation that conforms with the legislation, regulations and other requirements of the state with which they are conducting the investigation.
“Participants will be equipped with knowledge on aircraft operations and relevant technical areas of aviation as well as how to obtain and manage the relevant technical assistance and resources required to support investigations.
“This will help the investigators to identify and analyse pertinent evidence to be able to determine the cause and, if appropriate, make safety recommendations. The indoctrination programme is the initial training in several phases of accident investigations and prevention designed to present the functions of the AIB as well as legislation, policies and procedures for the conduct of the investigation and prevention of aircraft accidents and incidents in and over Ghana”
Additionally, Prempeh indicated that the training was imperative considering that aircraft accident investigation and prevention is a specialised task which require expertise.
“Aircraft accidents investigation and prevention is a specialised task that can only be undertaken by qualified and experienced pilots, aeronautical engineers and other qualified personnel in flight operations, airworthiness and air traffic management.”
The programme will also empower participants on final reports writing that meets requirements of the accident investigation authority of the state conducting the investigation.
By Joyce Mukucha
Photo: biznesstransform.com
