The Federal Government yesterday Saturday April 27th
grounded a Bombardier BD700, Global Express with tag no N565 RS owned by the
Rivers State government.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) said the
plane, which is Governor Rotimi Amaechi's private plane, has been operating
illegally as it's clearance to operate expired since April 2, 2013.
The Director of airworthiness standards of the NCAA, Engineer
Benedict Adeyileka, explained:
"The controversial aircraft on the service of Governor
Rotimi Amaechi is operating illegally in the country. The aircraft has its
clearance approval expired since Tuesday, April 2, 2013, by our records the
last flight clearance for this aircraft was approved for operations on Thursday
March 28, 2013 on Accra/Port Harcourt and Accra to terminate on April 2, 2013.
"With this development, the aircraft has exceeded the
extra two days or forty eight hours leeway for it to leave the country.
“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 Trustees
of Salt Lake City, Utah United States of America.
“The clearance for the aircraft was sought by Caverton
Helicopters on March 27, 2013.
“NCAA did not ground the aircraft prior to request for start
up in Akure on Friday 26, April 2013.
Consequently, this aircraft in reference is hereby grounded
at any airport that it is located right now in the country."
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