Robert Osuhor, is proudly a Nigerian and a captain flying for Emirates Airlines. In this interview with IFEOMA OKEKE-KORIEOCHA, Osuhor shares some of his experiences, having worked in the aviation sector for 34 years.
Can you take us through your journey as a pilot, including your number of years as a pilot?
I started my training to be a pilot in 1988 which means I have been in aviation for 34 years. My path has been different to most of my colleagues but I have been immensely privileged to have had such a varied career. My initial training was as a Helicopter Pilot and I worked in that capacity for nine years until 1997 supporting the Oil industry on the North Sea, before making the transition to Fixed Wing Aircraft.
My first airline job was on a Turbo Prop aircraft (Fokker 50) before moving onto Airbus Aircraft which I have been operating since 2000. I have held ratings and operated the following Airbus Aircraft: A320, A321, A330, A340-300, A340-500 and currently the A380.
I joined Emirates in October 2003 as a First Officer on the Airbus A330/A340 Fleet. I was promoted to Captain four years later in 2007 and then transferred to the A380 as a captain nine years ago. In total I have lived for 19 years in the UAE.
How long did you stay in Nigeria before leaving to practice outside the country?
I grew up in Nigeria and received my secondary education at Kings College Lagos before studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Benin. However my family relocated to the United Kingdom in 1986 before I started my pilot training.
Pilots who train outside Nigeria are required by the NCAA to still undergo training in Nigeria, (NCAT) before practicing locally. Is this the same situation practiced outside Nigeria?
Yes. All countries have a Civil Aviation Regulatory body that requires you to be licensed in accordance with that country’s regulations. The requirements vary and are set by each country.
Why did you choose to work with Emirates…