Africa Aviation Trails: Week 5, 2026

Introduction.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2026-01-266, requiring all aircraft whose final assembly was completed in Canada to cease operations immediately unless explicitly authorised. The directive, issued under the authority of 49 U.S.C. §§ 106(g), 40113, and 44701, follows the revocation of type certificate approvals for affected aircraft and applies globally, affecting commercial, VIP, safari, and military operators worldwide that use Canadian-assembled aircraft. Key aircraft impacted include turboprops such as the De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Dash 8-Q400, Twin Otters (DHC-6), VIP helicopters like the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X, and military transports including the C-145A Skytruck. Operators must comply immediately, and special flight permits are prohibited unless granted by the FAA. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) may be approved under 14 CFR 39.19 but require explicit FAA authorization. The directive has triggered urgent regulatory reviews in multiple countries to ensure continued operational safety and compliance.

AOCs/ASLs/Regulations.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has ordered residents and developers near airports and airstrips to install high-visibility red flashing aeronautical obstacle lights within 30 days to enhance air navigation safety. The directive targets structures within 15 kilometres of aerodromes, requiring prior approval for building heights to ensure they do not interfere with aircraft operations. KCAA specified that Class B medium-intensity lights must be installed on aerial masts or the upper extremities of buildings, affecting 24 Nairobi estates including Nairobi West, Karen, South C, and Lang’ata, among others. The Authority warned that failure to comply will result in enforcement action under the Civil Aviation (Aerodromes) Regulations of 2013, and applications for building authorisation must be submitted through KCAA’s website before construction begins.

The Ebonyi State Government has secured all necessary licenses to operate its own airline, Ebonyi Air, with the aircraft already procured and full operations pending completion of remaining documentation. Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu, confirmed that the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Onueke now meets all safety and operational standards, including a newly completed nine-storey permanent control tower with functional elevator and modern runway lighting for night operations. While the state currently lacks hangar facilities to station the aircraft locally, the project is fully licensed and expected to support cargo, commercial, domestic, and international flights, reflecting the government’s commitment to aviation safety, human capital development, and regional connectivity.