NAF graduates instructor pilots, says training key to service transformation

Fri, Jul 17, 2020
By publisher
3 MIN READ

Defence

THE Nigerian Air Force 401 Flying Training School Kaduna has graduated six instructor pilots, as part of the agenda of transforming the service to effectively meet Nigeria’s security challenges.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, said at the graduation ceremony held at NAF base Kaduna on Friday, that training remained a major element of transformation for the service.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Air Chief was represented by the Commandant Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), AVM Abdulganiyyu Olabisi.

“It is gratifying to note that 401 FTS has continued to fulfil its traditional role of providing effective flying for almost 40 years.

“It is with this in mind that one of the key drivers of my vision is human capacity development through robust and result oriented training for enhanced professional performance.

“It is therefore evident from the quality of the graduands today that 401 FTS is working to actualize that vision through the hard work, dedication and commitment of its Instructor Pilots and other staff.”

Abubakar charged the school not to rest on its oars but to continue to strive towards more realistic training, consistent with the operational challenges in today’s aviation industry.

The Air Chief told the instructor pilots that they would be charged with greater responsibilities of producing the next generation of aviators for the Nigerian Air Force.

“I know the past four months have been tedious with several sorties and check rides executed to the high standards expected of NAF Instructor Pilots.

“All these were aimed at giving you the requisite skills necessary to prepare you for the task of transferring knowledge to the student pilots of tomorrow.

“I, therefore, enjoin you to seize the opportunities available to make a positive impact in the Service and leave a legacy for your students who will remember you for the rest of their Service lives,” he added.

Abubakar reminded the instructors that they were an important element in the service operational cycle, as such should strive to contribute effectively in the training of student pilots and the success of security operations.

He appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for his support at ensuring that the Nigerian Air Force is better funded and equipped to fulfil its statutory responsibilities.

“We hereby reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the security of our people and the nation at large,” Abubakar affirmed.

Earlier the Commandant, 401 FTS, Group Captain Nasir Saidu, said every NAF unit has the ultimate responsibility of working towards the attainment of the CAS vision and 401 FTS is not an exception.

Saidu said the training began with the ground academic phase which lasted four weeks, followed by the flying phase.

“This was aimed at teaching the pilots the basic rudiments of instructional flying and covered areas such as general handling, instrument flying, navigation, formation and night flying.”

According to him, the school has upheld this long-standing tradition of excellence in military aviation for over 36 years.

“The graduation ceremony represents the final phase of a unique task that has seen 401 FTS train a number of operational pilots to become instructor pilots of high calibre,” Sa’idu said.

NAN report that before the commencement of the event a minute silence was observed in honour of late Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, who died on  July 14. (NAN)

– Jul. 17, 2020 @ 16:39 GMT |

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