Air force develops trainer aircraft

Commandant of the institute, AVM Toni Adokwu, made the disclosure yesterday during the 43rd graduation ceremony of the institute.
“Currently, the NAF is faced with the challenge of high unserviceablility status of its primary trainer aircraft, the Air Bettle aircraft, which is equally a light trainer aircraft. Some of the problems associated with the aircraft include the high engine temperature and uncomfortable seats for instructors and student pilots. We believe the design and construction of this new trainer aircraft would address some of the challenges and ultimately address the issue of aircraft unserviceability. The research activities being undertaken by the institution come with huge financial implications and the resource requirement for AFIT to fully operate cannot be borne by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as it requires immediate infrastructural and human capacity development in order to achieve its mandate. A bill for the establishment of AFIT as an autonomous institution of higher learning is before the National Assembly,” he said.