TheCable

The Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) and management of Arik Air have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will allow the airline assist in providing proficiency and line training for PAF’s pilots.

The agreement was signed on March 1 when Hassan Bala Abubakar, an air commodore and commander of PAF, led senior officials of the fleet to Arik Air Aviation Centre at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

“According to the terms of the agreement, Arik Air shall provide pilots of the Presidential Air Fleet rated on the aircraft line training and hour building to maintain proficiency on the aircraft, including undertaking regular commercial flight under supervision, as per the standards approved for the airline,” a statement announcing the agreement read.

Line training programs help pilots increase the number of hours flown, gain experience in the actual aircraft.

The proficiency training covers subjects like aviation weather, flight planning, flying technique tips and in-depth aviation accident analysis.

Roy Ilegbodu, chief executive officer of Arik Air, said the agreement would go a long way in bridging the gap in the fleet pilots’ training and proficiency adding that both parties will work together to achieve their goals.

Abubakar expressed appreciation at the support the fleet has received from Arik over the years.