In line with the vision of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadiq Abubakar in capacity development of Nigerian Air Force, the 403 Flying Training School of the Nigerian Air Force Kano has yesterday graduated 4 fighter pilots for deployment to various operational fronts of the Nigerian Air Force.
The graduants, including Flying Lieutenants Maina Musa Shalangwa, Oladokun Smith, Sylvester Tukurah Ali and Ahmed Kabir Galadanci and six others were deployed to the Training School last year for Jet Flying Course 1 after successful completion of their basic flying course in the United Kingdom (UK).
Commander 403 flying training school Kano, Henry I. Eze said the four graduants emerged successful after thorough screening to ascertain their suitability for fighter pilot deployment.
He said the training was aimed at equipping the Nigerian air force with professional and skilled pilots to enable it rise to the occasion in events of security threats in any part of the country.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Chief of Air Staff expressed hope for the future of the Nigerian air force saying ‘’with the extensive trainings, platform acquisitions and reactivation of grounded aircrafts fleets, NAF can now satisfactorily fulfill its roles across the spectrum of national air power task’’.
The COAS who was represented by the Air Officer, commanding air training command, Air Vice Marshall Christopher E. Okoye charged the graduants on selfless service saying ‘’to whom much is given much is required’’.
‘’This is a day to feel proud and to congratulate yourselves on your hard work and achievements; however, it also presents a time when you must begin to prepare yourselves to justify the efforts and resources expended on your training up to this stage. Remember to whom much is given much is expected. Therefore, as you assume your next responsibilities in the NAF as operational pilots, there is a demand on you to reflect the quality of training received both abroad and at home’’ he charged.
He further commended the technical crew of the school for keeping L-39ZA aircrafts functional despite shortage of spare parts. He assured that ‘’immediate steps are being taken to carry out total overhaul on the aircrafts to ensure that adequate spare parts are procured for lasting serviceability of the fleet’’.
