As aviation parastatals record significant milestones in their various segments of the industry, the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) also benefitted from the transformation that swept through the sector.
According to Yakubu Dati, spokesperson, Aviation Parastatals, a commendable milestone attained by the college is the reaccreditation of the institution to train industry professionals in accordance with international standards. To foster the smooth training of professionals, several aircraft and aircraft engines lying unserviced have been overhauled and are now back in operation. This development has increased the training capacity for the college.
He said: “Before Princess Stella Oduah, minister of Aviation, came into office, the college had no Visual Tower Simulator for Air Traffic Control training, but in 2013, a 360 degree Visual Tower Simulator for ATC training was purchased and installed. Also, a Boeing 737-200 for cabin crew training was also procured in 2013.
“In addition to the positive changes made in NCAT, EADS SOCATA TBM 850 single engine turbo prop trainer aircraft, two No Bell 2061-iv helicopters and Gas Turbine Trainers which were unavailable before July 2011were procured in 2013 for the institution for the first time ever. An ARTMACS Pc-Based Radar Simulator and an Auto pilot Training station has also been procured and installed in the institution.
“Another commendable milestone recorded in NCAT is the renovated briefing room for pilots which has been in a deplorable state for many years. It has been completely renovated and is now conducive for use during training. Modern Lecture rooms which were unavailable in the institution before July 2011 have also been constructed and well furnished. These newly built lecture halls are now currently in use”.
Dati added that student hostels which had been unavailable for a long time have now been constructed and well furnished. A state of the art auditorium and a functional library, which are still under construction, are 98% completed Over the years, the college was grounded and almost extinct but, it has now been revived and is now being repositioned to play its rightful role of developing high quality professionals for the country’s aviation industry.