DCI training Nigerien pilots in France

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French company DCI has trained six Niger Air Force helicopter pilots and will train more aircrew under an extended contract.

DCI said that six pilots from Niger underwent ab-initio training in France and Niger and that the government of Niger had decided to extend the project in 2013 with the training of additional aircrews.

The six pilots, together with six flight mechanics, graduated with their diplomas in March at a ceremony held in Niamey, Niger.
“This innovative project, supported by the presidency of Niger, allowed the pilots and flight mechanics to use Helidax installations, within the framework of an ab initio training,” DCI said. “The pilots were trained on EC120 Colibri aircraft.”

The Niger Air Force operates several Mi-8/17 transport and Mi-24 attack helicopters.

DCI-AIRCO, in partnership with the French Air Force, has offered fighter pilot training since 2008. Training takes place at French Air Force bases (Salon de Provence, Cognac, Tours and Cazaux). The company also offers helicopter pilot training, at the ALAT (French Army Light Aviation) pilot training school in Dax, or in the customer’s country.

DCI, via its subsidiary Hélidax, is an important partner for the Dax school. Hélidax supplies flight hours required for the basic training of pilots from the Armed Forces (land, sea and air), Gendarmerie Nationale and other foreign pilots.

Some of DCI’s customers include the Qatar Emiri Air Force and Libya. Earlier this month it was announced that the Libyan Air Force had appointed DCI to train 20 officer trainees.

DCI was created in 1972 to assist foreign military equipment sales, with its main mission to provide training to foreign customers.