Expert Advocates Adjustment of Pilot Training Hours

Stories By Chinedu Eze

Former Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Benedict Adeyileka has proposed the revising of qualifications and pilot training hours in Nigeria to improve aviation employment opportunities. 

He said the current 500-hour minimum time for pilots may hinder new graduates, typically with 200-300 hours, from finding jobs. 

During the Aviation Round Table (ART) Breakfast meeting, Adeyileka underscored Africa’s demand for 67,000 aviation professionals, noting a shortage of skilled replacements in Nigeria’s industry.

The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria trains yearly without sufficient job placements. Adeyileka argues that high pilot training hours in Nigeria prompt foreign pilot hiring, suggesting increased captaincy hours and reduced first officer hours to boost employability and lessen dependency on foreign pilots, adding that simplifying flight hour requirements could help more Nigerian pilots secure local aviation jobs.

“What I used to say is why do you want to have 500 hours minimum, that will work in Europe and South Africa. There they finish and go and fly AG CAT or go to farms or have flying clubs. We don’t have that in Nigeria.My advice is, why don’t you increase the minimum hours you have for your captains and reduce the hours for first officers so they can be gainfully employed. I don’t know how that is working but we still have that gap. It creates vacancies for foreigners to come in and fly so we need to tighten our policy,” Adeyileka said.

He emphasised identifying key positions and successors at all levels for a talent pool to fill future roles effectively.

“This reduces the risk of disruption to the business operations, as there is a smooth transition of leadership. This approach aids in retaining and developing talent within the aviation organisation by offering clear career paths and growth opportunities. This improves employee engagement and reduces turnover rates. It helps to build a strong leadership pipeline, which is essential for the long-term success of the aviation organization,” Adeyileka further said.