Captain Walter H Okakpu (rtd) EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMAN-OPERATIONS-(COO)

QUALIFICATIONS

Aviation Specialist qualified by a combination of substantial flight time and formal undergraduate level studies and enhanced by specialized professional training. Competent and knowledgeable in the field of aviation with specific expertise in aviation administration, oversight, safety direction and implementation, airline operation with part 121 and 129 experience in both passenger and cargo operations. Has over 25 years of administrative experience as fleet captain, chief pilot, airplane and simulator instructor and director of flight operations. Served as Managing Director of an upstart airline. Currently works with Function Aviation as an aviation consultant. Proven and verifiable flight and safety record. Adroit, agile, and physically fit. Capable, reliable pilot requiring minimal instruction or supervision. Superb interface with individuals of diverse cultures and backgrounds. Embodies a positive, professional image.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Airplane Licenses
• Type Ratings FAA ATPL, ICAO ATPL B 737, B727, B707, DC8, BAC1-11, F 28, SE 210, F27. CL 600
• TOTAL TIME: 15,000 HRS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE - Airline Transport Pilot Experience
  • Nigeria Airways Ltd.
    One of the acclaimed pilots of the defunct National carrier for 14years up to 1985, Walter was Fleet captain and training captain on the F28 fleet. I was responsible for crew scheduling and utilization. I also worked with maintenance department to maximize the utilization of the 13 airplanes in the fleet. I was also responsible for the training and deployment of the dispatch officers for the fleet.
  • Kabo Air, Lagos Nigeria.
    Engaged for 2years up to 1987, as Chief Pilot – Supervised crew training and maintained a roster for all crew. Responsibility included training of pilots on ground, aircraft and simulator. I was designated type rating training pilot and examiner for BAC 1-11, SE 210.
  • Sky Air Cargo, UK.
    Similarly contracted as Chief pilot for four years (4) between October 1987 to May 1991.
  • SEAGREEN Air Transport, Oostende, Belgium
    Responsible for the airline set up and operation from planning to full establishment. Hired crew from Nigeria, USA, Germany and other parts of the world to operate the airline Head of operations department and chief pilot for the airline and was check airman for the FAA licensed crew. Did a lot of trans-oceanic and trans-desert flying.
  • Okada Air, Lagos, Nigeria
    Walter was, Director flight operation for 5 years to April 1996, responsible for flight operations; Training captain on B 727, BAC 1-11. Conducted simulator and flight training for pilots on B727, SE 210 and BAC 1-11. Was designated check airman for Okada Air, Kabo Air and African Trans Air.
  • Transcontinental Airline, Ann Arbor,
    He served as Captain for two (2) years to June 1999. Captain for B 727 on all routes and was designated as engine out ferry pilot by FAA. Supervised and trained pilots on the company routes and procedures.
  • Express One International, Dallas, Texas. USA.
    Flew for another 2yeas till May 2000, as airline captain on all US postal routes which involved CAT 111 operations to major airports. Supervised and monitored pilots’ performance on routes and was responsible for safe operation and loading of airplanes.
  • DHL Aviation, Bahrain
    For 3years to December 2006, served as Captain for B737 on the Airline routes
  • Silverback Airline, Addis Ababa Captain (Manager)
    He took primary responsibility for flying on all contracted route for the airline and other crew contracted with the airline. Operated on Ethiopian cargo route worldwide and operated cargo flights for DHL on US postal services in the Middle East.
  • Intercontinental Airways Ltd., Banjul, Gambia
    Captain Walter served as Pioneer Managing Director for to April 2009 Responsible for airline setup from planning through licensing and full administrative and operations control. Prepared airline manuals and standard operating procedure in compliance with civil aviation authority requirements. Represented Airline on airport services during bilateral talks.
  • Aviation consultant
    Function Aviation Services and Transport, USA; INC………. Primarily involved in aviation project formulation and supervision. Wrote research papers on aviation in Africa and wrote guidelines for aviation oversight and supervision. Engaged in preparation of aviation business plan and projection, airline setup, route analysis and structuring, licensing process and compliance with FAA and other Civil Aviation Authorities.
    Other responsibilities include procurement of aircraft, training of flight crew and mechanics, airport environmental control and restrictions, including security of airport, animal and bird infestation control and maneuvering area construction and maintenance.

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