Rise to Demands of Modern Warfare, Air Chief Charges 30 New Helicopter Pilots

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, yesterday, charged 30 newly graduated helicopter pilots of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to rise to the demands of modern warfare by embracing continuous learning, teamwork, and the highest standards of professionalism.

The Air Chief stated that the success of the newly trained helicopter pilots would depend not only on the flying skills they have acquired but also on their ability to adapt, collaborate, and operate as part of a coordinated joint force.

Speaking during the Combined Graduation Ceremony of the Integrated Helicopter Pilot Course 9/2024 and Airline Transport Pilot Licence Course 2/2025 held at the International Helicopter Flying School (IHFS), Enugu, on Wednesday, the CAS called for excellence and responsibility.

Represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Air Vice Marshal Edosa, the CAS further called on the new pilots to wear their wings with humility and a deep sense of responsibility.

Congratulating the pilots on their achievement, Air Marshal Abubakar, who reminded the new pilots that they had commenced a special journey, stressed that they carried the hopes of a nation and the trust of a service that remained a pillar of peace and stability.

He said, “You are stepping into a dynamic and complex operational environment. The threats to our national security are multifaceted and constantly evolving. Your success will depend not only on the flying skills you have acquired but on your ability to adapt, collaborate, and operate as part of a coordinated joint force.”

The Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement, said the graduation also marked a significant milestone for IHFS with the commissioning of its newly renovated aircraft hangar, a critical infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving maintenance capabilities and operational readiness.

Commissioning the upgraded hangar in Enugu, the CAS emphasised that the hangar was one of several ongoing projects, including a new school headquarters and 36 units of student accommodation, which demonstrate the NAF’s commitment to transforming IHFS into a global standard for helicopter training.

“The Nigerian Air Force is not only training pilots. We are building a self-reliant, mission-oriented, and resilient force, capable of meeting the airpower demands of today’s battle space,” he said.