NCAA suspends Amaechi’s aircraft from flying

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has grounded the aircraft of the Rivers State Governor, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi.
The NCAA hinged the justification for its action on the fact that the operating licence of the aircraft had expired.
It expired on April 2, 2013, the acting Director General of the NCAA, Joyce Nkemakolam, told newsmen on Saturday.
The aircraft had earlier on Friday been delayed from taking off from the airport in Akure, Ondo State because the pilot failed to produce the manifest for the flight.
Nkemakolam said on Saturday: “The controversial aircraft on the service of Governor Rotimi Amaechi is operating illegally in the country.
“The aircraft, a Bombardier BD700 Global Express, with registration no N565 RS, has its clearance approval expired since Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013.
“By our records, the last flight clearance for this aircraft was approved for operation on Thursday, March 28, 2013 on Accra-PH-Accra and to terminate on April 2, 2013.
“With this development, the aircraft has exceeded the extra two days or 48 hours leeway for it to leave the country.”
Nkemakolam added: “While still operating illegally, the aircraft has been sighted in several places, including Owerri and Akure.
“The owner of this aircraft, according to the certificate of registration, is Bank of Utah, trustee of Salt Lake City, Utah USA.
“The clearance for the aircraft was sought by Caverton Helicopters on March 27, 2013.
“Consequently, this aircraft in reference is hereby grounded at any airport that is located right now in the country.”