Expert viewpoint Apr 08. 2024
Thales EVP Yannick Assouad - The Evidence-Based Training path to safer, more efficient piloting
Business Caverton and Thales sign acceptance of Africa's first Level D helicopter full flight simulator Caverton and Thales sign acceptance of Africa's first Level D helicopter full flight simulator
The Thales Reality H full-flight simulator, which is one of the most advanced commercial helicopter simulators in the world, is now operational at Caverton. The simulator allows pilots to train in complete safety for a variety of complex situations (adverse weather conditions, helicopter failures and emergencies), that could occur in the during actual flight operations.
With this new training centre, soon to be certified by the Nigerian and European civil aviation authorities (NCAA and EASA) at the highest level, Caverton will provide state-of-the-art training, including initial type rating, continuous training and proficiency checks, for offshore and onshore missions as well as VIP transport operations. This training is intended for Caverton’s pilots as well as AW139 helicopter operators based on the African continent.
Above: the Reality H simulator installed at Caverton's training centre.
Franck Riester, Minister Delegate in charge of Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, took this opportunity to declare: “This amazing simulator is another illustration of a success story between France and Nigeria and the strength of the partnership between Thales and Caverton. Supported by Bpifrance on export credit, this project involves unprecedented top technology at the scale of Africa, allowing Nigeria to fulfill its ambition to become the training hub of the region.”
Above: pictures from the formal acceptance ceremony held on April 13 2021.
Aderemi Makanjuola, Chairman of Caverton Offshore Support Group (COSG), added: “We are excited to have reached this significant milestone of acceptance of the simulator, in spite of the various delays and setbacks brought about by the Pandemic. This was made possible through the tenacity of the teams within Caverton and Thales and has birthed an even stronger partnership between both our organisations. We look forward to the ongoing support of both the NCAA and EASA to enable us commence flight simulator training, which will no doubt increase safety and service delivery to our esteemed clients.”
Peter Hitchcock, Vice President of Training & Simulation at Thales, said: "working together with Caverton through this unprecedented health crisis, we have safely finalized the shipping, commissioning and acceptance of the first level D full flight helicopter simulator in Africa, representing a major milestone in the continued effort to improve the efficiency and safety of flight operations.”
View the acceptance ceremony:
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Caverton Helicopters is a subsidiary of the Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc, which is a fully, integrated offshore support company providing aviation and marine logistics services to businesses operating in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria and across West Africa. Caverton is the largest indigenous aviation logistics support company in Nigeria, with over 18 years experience providing fixed wing and rotary wing services to the oil and gas industry. The company currently operates a mixed fleet of 24 aircraft across multiple locations in Nigeria and West Africa. Since inception, Caverton has successfully operated for major International Oil Companies with a combined contract value of over (US) $2bn. Caverton’s capabilities also extends to the provision of third-party rotary and fixed wing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services at its facility in Lagos. The company is also an NCAA Approved Training Organisation (ATO) and provides ground and flight training courses. Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global high technology leader investing in digital and “deep tech” innovations –connectivity, big data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum technology – to build a future we can all trust, which is vital to the development of our societies. The company provides solutions, services and products that help its customers –businesses, organisations and states – in the defence, aeronautics, space, transportation and digital identity and security markets to fulfil their critical missions, by placing humans at the heart of the decision-making process. Thales has 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2020 the Group generated sales of €17 billion. |
