By LAWANI MIKAIRU

Caverton Helicopters has invested more than $1.2 million on training of Nigerians in the various cadre within the company. This is a deliberate effort by the company to assist the federal government realize its intention to increase indigenous participation in the industry through the development of human capacity, as stipulated in the Nigerian Content Development Act of 2010.

Since 2010 when the company put in place a training programme, 146 Nigerians have been trained at a cost of more than $1.2million. Those trained include “ three personnel for flight operations Ab-Initio, one for Private Pilot License(PPL), two for Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and two for Rotary Wing Conversion; 81 pilots for different flight operations Type Rating training for all aircraft  types -EC155, AW139, Bell 412, S76 and DHC-6. Fifty-seven Aviation engineers have also been trained as follows: 16  Engineering Ab-Initio and 41 Engineering Type Rating training.”

These facts were revealed during the graduation ceremony of 15 Nigerian Engineers who have completed a type-rated course on AW139 Helicopter. According to a statement from the company “ The need to put in place a defined training program for pilots and engineers was heightened when Caverton participated and won a five (+2) year tender to provide 6 x AW139 helicopters for Shell operations in Nigeria. A seventh AW139 was added to the fleet in the fourth year. “

“To ensure full coverage of the operation and due to the scarcity of trained indigenous personnel, Caverton embarked on an aggressive program to select, train and type-rate indigenous pilots and engineers on a year on year basis. It should be noted that the award of this contract by Shell distinguished Caverton as ‘the poster child’ for local content.  Caverton is a testimony to Shell’s commitment to building in-country capacity and giving back as a responsible corporate citizen.”

Mr. Bertrand Brill, Technical Director Engineering and Deputy Managing Director Caverton Helicopters while articulating his long term plan for Caverton training programme said the aim is to “-to achieve or exceed industry target stipulated in the NCD Act of 65% locals and Shell’s target of 75% locals. To   have a crop of engineers with excellent work ethics and to improve safety and professionalism within the industry.”