NCAT ditches plans for helicopter flying training?

Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, announced last year August that it would commence a helicopter flying school with assistance of Bristow Helicopters. Two Bell 206 L4 helicopters were ordered to this end. But it seems now that they have put aside these plans, as the unused helicopters are put up for sale:

Bell 206 L4:
02/09/2012 – For Sale –  Brand new 0hrs Bell 206 with garmin 530 and all the Bells and whistles.
Contact: Rotor Head   Company: NCAT   Phone: 802-797-7104    Email: Email    Web Address: http://www.mobiliti.com.ng

This would be remarkable as officials of NCAT recently inspected the helicopters (N449XB and N449YB):

NCAT – Bell 206 L4

IAC Ilorin Receives First Diamond DA40 Trainer Aircraft

The International Aviation College, Ilorin, received its first trainer aircraft, a Diamond DA40, last week. For those interested, here are the contact details:

IAC Admission and Inquiries
Phone: +234 (0) 816 171 7817
Email: info@iac-ng.com or info@internationalaviationcollege.com
Website (inactive): www.iac-ng.com

For more information about the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Kaduna: http://www.ncat.gov.ng.

Diamond DA40 at Ilorin Airport

Two Emergencies On 8/12

Two aircraft made an emergency landing this week:

• On Wednesday an unidentified Air Nigeria aircraft on route from Lagos to Abuja developed technical problems and experienced a loss of cabin pressure. The aircraft returned safely to Lagos Airport.
• A Tampico TB-9 training aircraft belonging to NCAT made an emergency landing at Kano Airport on the same day.

Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing Near Kano

A Tampico TB-9 training aircraft belonging to NCAT made an emergency landing at a Katoge village, about 20 kilometres away from Kano. Three occupants of escaped unhurt and the aircraft was not badly damaged. The aircraft was to land in Zaria but could not do so due to heavy downpour in the late afternoon. It therefore diverted to Kano Airport, but developed technical problems and was forced to make an emergency landing.

NCAT Accepts A New TBM 850

The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, took delivery of a new TBM 850 turboprop aircraft, which will be used primarily for advanced airline transport pilot (ATP) training courses.

NCAT - TBM 850 - 5N-BZA

This Week’s Update

Some bits of news over the past week:

• United Airlines delayed the start of planned flights to Lagos, Nigeria, because of regulatory issues.
• The FAAN has completed the installation of the airfield lighting system at Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri.
• Bristow has signed a $1.5m agreement with the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, for the provision of technical support.
• An Arik Air B737-700 (5N-MJE) was hit by a bird at Calabar Airport on 26 April 2010.
• Although Arik Air withdrew the A330-200 from its schedule, a spokesman of the airline assured that the aircraft will be deployed on the Lagos-Johannesburg route before the start of the World Cup.
• Aero had to ground the aircraft it leases from CHC, mainly the helicopters and Dash 8s used for the oil and gas industry, as the airline could no longer pay the bills.
• Dapo Olumide tendered his resignation as CEO of Nigerian Eagle. The COO of the airline, Kinfe Kahssaye, is appointed as his successor.
• Does anyone know which individuals or institutions are behind the new charter airline TopBrass Aviation? Its CEO, Roland Iyayi, was Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). He was arrested by the EFCC in 2008 for misuse of the N19.5 billion Aviation Intervention Fund.

Nigerian Colleges Of Aviation

Here is a short update on the status of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.

The new College of Aviation, Ilorin, will open its doors in July, 2010.