Caverton chalks up African training ‘first’

Caverton Helicopters has chosen the Thales Reality H full-flight simulator (FFS) for AW139 pilot training at its facility in Lagos.

Done deal: The agreement is signed. Picture: Caverton.

The simulator will be an essential tool in improving the overall safety of helicopter flights in the Nigerian and regional aviation sector and will help to answer the increasing demand for helicopter initial and recurrent pilot training.

It will be installed within Caverton’s new Flight Training Academy (soon to be certified by the Nigerian and European civil aviation authorities), at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, next to the MRO facility, currently under construction.

This ambitious project is part of Caverton’s strategy regarding flight simulation training services as a key aviation and marine logistics player for the Nigerian oil and gas industry sector, and the first fully integrated offshore support company in sub-Saharan Africa.

“Safety is our priority at Caverton and we are committed to improving flight safety across our industry and the region through simulator-based training,” said Aderemi Makanjuola, chairman of the Caverton offshore support group.

The Thales Reality H full-flight simulator will provide realistic scenario-based flight and mission training, including initial type rating, continuous training and proficiency checks (VFR & IFR), for offshore and onshore missions, as well as VIP transport operations.

According to Benoît Plantier, VP Thales, training & simulation, this contract is a “key milestone for Thales as it will be the first helicopter level D full-flight simulator to be installed in Africa.”

He added that it would strengthen Caverton’s position as a leading provider of aviation logistics and training services in the region, enabling the company to expand its service offer, while improving security of helicopter flights.

Reported by Anuradha Deenapanray.