Bristow partners NCAT to train aircraft engineers

Bristow Africa Region has donated a “run-out” Robinson R-22 to the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria (NCAT), to be used as a ground platform for teaching “Basic Helicopter Maintenance and Engineering Training.

“Bristow Academy supported the effort by inspecting, disassembling and shipping the aircraft to Nigeria, then training four NCAT college instructors in R-22 maintenance and basic helicopter engineering.

Maintenance Training Coordinator Jeff Salter designed a four-week course curriculum for instructors from the college to become familiar with basic helicopter engineering and maintenance of the R-22. The program consisted of two weeks of classroom instruction and two weeks on-the-job training.

“The goal of the program I designed was to equip the instructors with the knowledge they needed to effectively teach their students,” said Jeff. “I wanted them to leave here with a well-rounded understanding of helicopters in general and a renewed perspective of training aircraft maintenance technicians.

It was a great opportunity and I was honoured to teach them!” Senior administrative assistant, Jessica Britt and Africa Region HR Business Partner, Yemi Adegbayibi, also supported the effort, working together to arrange for VISAs, travel and accommodations for the instructors.

“NCAT is the foremost aviation training institution in Nigeria, and we’re very proud to partner with them to develop future engineers,” said Adegbayibi.

The partnership with the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria dates back to 2008. During this time, Bristow donated instructional books, and performed classrooms and instructor residence renovations; supply of modern maintenance tool boxes and installation of modern IT/audiovisual instruction training equipment in classrooms

. The partnership also included Bristow’s sponsorship of training for four instructors in Sowella College, Louisiana, which Adegbayibi said “went a long way in equipping them with critical knowledge for the students’ training program.

” Currently, Bristow is sponsoring 20 young Nigerian engineering graduates in the college’s Abridged Airframe and Power Plant and Avionics course.

Upon completion of this programme, the students will be employed by the company as trainee aircraft engineers. “We were pleased to be a part of this project to develop future engineers,” said Bristow Academy director, Todd Smith.

“This is a great example of what Bristow does best, setting the standard through innovation and teamwork, in the spirit of making a difference,” he stated.