Solomon Airlines has announced with excitement that three of its engineers have become the first of the national carrier’s engineering team to attain their Dash 8 aircraft license ratings.
Revealing the milestone, Solomon Airlines CEO, Captain Ron Sumsum praised the three senior personnel – Clement Ramoi, William Talua and William Devesi – for their efforts in achieving this key international aviation recognised qualification.
A statement from the Airlines said, Mr Ramoi and Mr Talua are now both qualified as Dash 8 Airframe and Engine License holders while Mr Devesi has been awarded a Dash 8 Electrical, Instruments & Radio License.
The three engineers’ achievements, Captain Sumsum said, was the culmination of more than five years classroom study in combination with hands-on, on the ground training both in the Solomon Islands and overseas working with other airlines.
This included an intense six-week theory course in Brisbane and various stints working with Airlines PNG in Port Moresby.
Captain Sumsum also praised Solomon Airlines’ Manager Maintenance & Airworthiness, Julai Tomadek, for the leadership role he played in helping the three engineers achieve this world-recognised qualification.
“They have now achieved the final assessments under the watchful eye of Solomon Airlines and CAASI which has given them the privilege of being qualified experts in their field,” Captain Sumsum said.
Approved and awarded by CAASI (Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands), the licenses enable the three engineers to sign off the Dash 8 aircraft after maintenance or component replacement.
The Airlines said, they will now be responsible for the daily maintenance and up keep of the Dash 8, registration H4-SOL, which was brought into the country in 2012 and has until now, been maintained by overseas-based Dash 8 licensed personnel.
Captain Sumsum also made a point of personally thanking Director of CAASI, George Satu for his deliberation in awarding this milestone licence to the individuals and the airline’s overall licence coverage in the Solomon Islands.
