Security
THE Acting Director-General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, has advised those desring to become pilots to seek sponsorships from their state governments to avert shortage.
Najomo gave the advice at the Second Pilots Seminar held on Friday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the seminar had the theme: Becoming a Professional Pilot, Benefits and Challenges”.
Najomo said that in few years, there might be shortage of thousands of pilots due to retirements.
Najomo said that states could be willing to sponsor intending students of flying schools, noting that the cost was high.
He urging those intending to be professional pilots to be focused.
He said: “Focus will get you far in the industry, do not be discouraged.
“I know the only discouragement you will get now is how expensive it is to train as a pilot, but let me give you advice.
“You can go to your state governments. There are some state governors who sponsor pilots, if you do not know.
“We don’t want to over-regulate airlines because we are going to be short of pilots in the next few years. In fact, we are already short.
“We need people like you to come and take over,” he said.
He also said that there were several cheaper ways to become a pilot.
According to him, being an air traffic controller, flight dispatcher or crew member, among others, could make an airline to sponsor the worker to a flying school.
The President of Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association of Nigeria, Dr Alex Nwoba, called for growth of general aviation so that commercial aviation could be developed.
He said: “I keep saying we need to look at a regulatory regime that allows growth of general aviation because without general aviation, there will be no commercial aviation.
“If there is a huge deficit of pilots, why can’t we create jobs that are international?
” I mean that aviation is as good as nursing, as good as medicine. You can get up with Rwanda Air or Ethiopian Air or Emirates; the business of being a pilot is limitless,” Nwoba said.
The Convener of the seminar, Ms Joy Ogbebo, said that the seminar was to enlighten participants on the opportunities embedded in the pilot profession.
Ogbebo said that the enlightenment had become necessary due to a growing demand for pilots globally.
Capt. Ladi Bajeh, a 737 aircraft pilot, urged the partcipants at the seminar to be dedicated and ambitious.
Bajeh narrated how she moved from being a crew member to being a pilot.
Capt. Kayode Adaje, who is also a 737 engine pilot, said that studies, commitment and resilience were key to being a pilot.
Another pilot, Capt. Anthony Ayeni, urged the participants to key into opportunities in the industry. (NAN)
A.I
Oct. 4, 2024
Tags: Capt. Chris Najomo
