Caverton selects Thales simulator for training of pilots

Caverton, a key aviation and marine logistics player for the Nigerian oil and gas industry sector, has selected Thales’s AW139-configured Reality H Full-Flight Simulator to train pilots.

Thales is a provider of world-class technology for aerospace, space, ground transportation, defence and security

The initiative, according to Caverton, is a step forward in its strategic move into flight simulation training services.

First of its kind in Africa, the simulator will be installed within the new Caverton flight training academy, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

According to the company, the training centre has been designed to meet the increased demand for helicopter pilot training and in particular, to eliminate the challenges experienced by many pilots aiming to obtain initial and recurrent training.

The training will also contribute to improving the overall safety of helicopter flights in the Nigerian and regional aviation sector.

Commenting on the initiative in a statement, Aderemi Makanjuola, chairman, Caverton offshore support group, said the company is confident of providing the best helicopter training as safety is their priority.

“We are delighted to add Thales to our growing list of partners and we are confident in providing the best helicopter training with this Full-Flight Level D Simulator,” Makanjuola said.

“Safety is our priority at Caverton and we are committed to improving flight safety across our industry and the region through Simulator-based training.

“The new training center being the first of its kind In Africa and Will advance safety for the dedicated men and women who fly every day ”

Benoit Plantier, VP Thales, training and simulation, expressed his delight at working with Caverton in Nigeria.

He said: “Thales is very excited to be part of this initiate with Caverton in Nigeria.

“We believe that Caverton is the best partner to develop helicopter flight training services, and we are confident that pilots will be keen to train With Caverton on the Thales AW139 Reality H Simulator.

“This will strengthen Caverton’s position as a leading provider of aviation logistics as and training services in the region, enabling them to expand their service offer, while improving the security of helicopter flights in the region.

“This contract is also a key milestone for Thales as this will be the first helicopter level D Full-Flight Simulator to be installed in Africa.

“The simulator being delivered to Caverton will enable pilots that fly AW139 twin-engine helicopters one of the most popular helicopter platforms in Nigeria and the region to be fully immersed in a realistic virtual environment representing Nigerian operational areas, and learn to handle a multitude of system failures and overcome very complex malfunctions should they arise in the real world.

“Pilots can thus train safely in high-risk mission scenarios in a range of weather conditions.”