New batch of graduated helicopter pilots
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) recently celebrated a significant milestone with the graduation of 30 new helicopter pilots.
The Combined Graduation Ceremony for the Integrated Helicopter Pilot Course 9/2024 and Airline Transport Pilot Licence Course 2/2025 was held at the International Helicopter Flying School (IHFS) in Enugu.
Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar emphasized the importance of continuous learning, teamwork, and professionalism in modern warfare.
He urged the graduates to remain humble and dedicated to their duties, as they carry the hopes of a nation and the trust of a service that remains a pillar of peace and stability.
Abubakar highlighted the NAF’s commitment to transforming IHFS into a global standard for helicopter training. The school’s infrastructure is being upgraded, with ongoing projects including a new school headquarters and student accommodation.
These developments demonstrate the NAF’s dedication to providing world-class training for its pilots.
The CAS emphasized that the NAF is not only training pilots but also building a self-reliant, mission-oriented, and resilient force capable of meeting the airpower demands of today’s complex operational environment.
He praised the instructional team at IHFS for their professionalism and dedication to producing top-notch pilots.
The ceremony also marked the graduation of IHFS flight instructors who completed their Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) training. Several instructors were promoted, reflecting the school’s growing instructional capacity and adherence to global best practices.
The graduation ceremony unveiled a broader strategic vision for rotary-wing aviation in Nigeria’s evolving security architecture.
The NAF said it is committed to developing a capable and resilient force that can meet the demands of modern warfare. With its focus on training, infrastructure development, and professionalism, the NAF is poised to play a critical role in Nigeria’s security landscape.
