NCAA issues RPAS certificate to Arco Aviation Academy

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has certified Arco Aviation Academy as an Approved Training Organization (ATO) for Remote Pilot Aircraft System (RPAS) training.

This is in a bid by the NCAA to enhance human capacity development in the deployment of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).

Presenting the certificate at the NCAA’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, June 4, 2025, the Director General, Civil Aviation (DGCA), Captain Chris Najomo, commended the academy for meeting all regulatory requirements.

Captain Najomo urged academy to brace up for the real task of ensuring compliance with the certification requirements while assuring it NCAA’s continuous surveillance and full support.

The certification was issued after a satisfactory completion of the 5-phase approval process, and demonstrating compliance with the relevant provisions of Nig. CARs Part 21.

The courses to be offered are Basic Remote Pilot Course, Remote Pilot Course (BLOS) and Remote Pilot Course (BVLOS).

Key areas covered during the inspection include General Administration and Management Structure, Instructional Delivery Methods, Courseware and Lessons Plans, Recording Keeping System, Quality Systems, among others.

The Chairman, NCAA Flight Standards Group and Director, Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Engr. Godwin Balang, expressed delight as a pioneering collaboration which will not only boost human capacity development but also contribute significantly to the aviation economy.

Capt. Maikano T.W., the Certification Project Manager (CPM), praised the academy and appreciated the DGCA’s support, describing the achievement as a collective effort.

In his own remarks, the Managing Director, Arco Aviation Academy, Mr. Okosubide Mozimo, thanked the NCAA and commended Engr. Balang for a long-standing support dating back to 2016.

The Accountable Manager, Mr. Wisdom Erae, reaffirmed their commitment to compliance and setting new benchmarks in aviation training.