Omni Helicopters Guyana Inc (OHGI) yesterday announced that after an intensive process it has selected its first two Guyanese citizens to participate in its Ab-Initio flight programme.
Chosen from a competitive pool of nearly 20 candidates, Somant Heeralal and Yadram Ramcharran were standouts and are now set to undergo comprehensive training over the next 16 months at specialist flight training schools, a release from Omni said. This training will be the first step in their journey towards becoming the first Guyanese pilots at OHGI.
The selection process included a series of pilot aptitude tests, psychological tests, medical tests, and Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET).
Heeralall, who initially pursued a medical degree at Texila American University Guyana and worked at the Georgetown Public Hospital, joined Omni Helicopters in November 2023. He was one of six selected for specialized training, encompassing both Search & Rescue Swimming and Aviation Security. This experience kindled his interest in aviation. Ramcharran, on the other hand, pursued a four-year degree course at the Art Williams & Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School in September 2017. Despite facing financial challenges during the Covid-19 period, he persevered and in December 2023, he successfully completed his associate degree in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. During his student training, he gained practical experience through ‘on the job training’ at Ogle Airport with CAMS and Omni Helicopters.
The release said that the two will begin rigorous academic and flight training, culminating in obtaining a Commercial Helicopter License with an Instrument Flight Rating. The release said that this comprehensive, industry-accredited, pilot training programme is designed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the rigorous operating standards of the offshore helicopter sector. Upon graduation, they will spend time building flight experience before progressing to be trained on larger offshore helicopters.
Omni Helicopters International, founded in Portugal in the 90s is currently providing services to the oil and gas industry here.
