Bangul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency and Liberian Aviation Authority launch reconnaissance training

Monrovia – The Bangul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) has commenced a week-long basic aviation accident investigation course in Liberia. The workshop, hosted by the Liberian government through the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) in collaboration with the newly established Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau of Liberia, aims to improve aviation safety and investigation capabilities.

Nicolas Leroy, representative of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and lead moderator, stressed the importance of making safety a priority at the opening of the conference. Leroy pointed out that the training was designed to promote collaboration and cooperation while increasing participants’ understanding of aviation safety and investigations.

He encouraged participants to fully engage, share insights and be open to new ideas. “Your active participation is crucial,” said Leroy, “as it increases our collective knowledge and improves safety standards in the aviation sector.”

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the Liberia Airport Authority, Mr. Jero Mends-Cole, stressed the importance of investigating aviation accidents related to airport operations. He stressed that airports are central hubs of aviation and any accident or incident has an impact on safety, efficiency and public confidence. “By understanding the causes of accidents, the LAA can improve its operational procedures, training programs and emergency response plans,” added Mr. Mends-Cole.

For his part, the Director General of the Liberian Aviation Authority, Julius Dennis, appreciated the efforts to restore normalcy and comply with recommended practices and international standards in the Liberian aviation sector. Dennis referred to the recent International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) mission to Liberia, which highlighted the country’s poor performance in the effective implementation of regulations in the aviation sector. “Liberia has been classified as non-compliant and this must change by taking progressive steps towards the implementation of the corrective action plan,” he stated.

The training is an important step towards improving aviation safety standards in Liberia and ensuring compliance with international regulations.