Enugu: The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has urged 30 newly graduated helicopter pilots to meet the demands of modern warfare through continuous learning, teamwork, and professionalism. Abubakar delivered this message during the Combined Graduation Ceremony of the Integrated Helicopter Pilot Course 9/2024 and Airline Transport Pilot Licence Course 2/2025 at the International Helicopter Flying School (IHFS), Enugu.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigeria Air Force (NAF), stated that Abubakar congratulated the pilots on their achievement, reminding them of the significant journey they have embarked upon. He highlighted the dynamic and complex operational environment they are entering, emphasizing that their success will require adaptability, collaboration, and coordinated joint force operations.

The CAS urged the new pilots to wear their wings with humility and responsibility, stressing their role as carriers of national hopes and trust. He also mentioned ongoing projects, including a new school headquarters and 36 units of student accommodation, as part of NAF’s commitment to transforming IHFS into a global standard for helicopter training.

Abubakar reiterated that IHFS is central to his command philosophy, which focuses on deliberate training, human capacity development, and infrastructure-driven operational excellence. He praised the rector and instructional team at IHFS for their professionalism and dedication to producing world-class pilots.

The ceremony also recognized the graduation of IHFS flight instructors who completed their Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) training, as well as promotions for several instructors, showcasing the school’s growing instructional capacity and adherence to global best practices. Praise was also given to the Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Limited and the school’s Board of Directors for their oversight and strategic support.

The combined ceremony not only celebrated pilot proficiency but also unveiled a broader strategic vision for rotary-wing aviation within Nigeria’s evolving security architecture.