The Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Madam Musayeroh Barrie, has reaffirmed her commitment to building a highly skilled and self-reliant aviation regulatory workforce following the successful completion of specialized aircraft inspection training by three young Sierra Leonean aviation inspectors.
The inspectors paid a courtesy visit to the Director General at the Authority’s headquarters on Monday, 6 July 2026, after completing an intensive 30-day on-the-job training programme in Nigeria. The practical attachment followed aircraft type-specific theoretical training and focused on the Embraer 145 aircraft, equipping the inspectors with advanced technical knowledge and hands-on experience in aircraft safety oversight.
The training forms part of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority’s broader human capacity development strategy under the leadership of Madam Musayeroh Barrie, whose administration continues to prioritize the development of competent Sierra Leonean professionals capable of strengthening the country’s aviation safety oversight while reducing reliance on foreign expertise.
Welcoming the inspectors, Madam Musayeroh Barrie described their achievement as another significant milestone in the Authority’s ongoing efforts to build a sustainable and internationally respected aviation sector through strategic investment in local talent.
“The future of aviation safety lies in developing local expertise,” she stated, adding that while classroom instruction provides the theoretical foundation for aviation regulation, practical exposure remains essential for building the competence, confidence and sound technical judgement required to perform effective oversight responsibilities.
She explained that the Authority is deliberately investing in young professionals to ensure Sierra Leone develops its own pool of highly qualified aviation inspectors capable of independently carrying out aircraft safety oversight in accordance with international civil aviation standards.
According to the Director General, strengthening local institutional capacity remains a key priority as the Authority works towards ending the long-standing dependence on foreign consultants through continuous professional development and specialized technical training.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie further emphasized that competence is determined by knowledge, technical skills and practical experience rather than age or years of service. She commended the three inspectors for demonstrating professionalism, dedication and readiness to contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s aviation safety system.
She also reiterated her vision of building a modern, efficient and self-sufficient civil aviation regulatory authority led by qualified Sierra Leoneans committed to ensuring the safety, security and sustainability of the country’s aviation industry.
Speaking during the engagement, the inspectors expressed appreciation to the Director General and the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority for investing in their professional development and creating opportunities for young Sierra Leoneans to build successful careers in the aviation sector.
They explained that the programme combined comprehensive aircraft type-specific theoretical instruction with a rigorous 30-day practical attachment in Nigeria, where they specialized in the inspection and maintenance oversight of the Embraer 145 aircraft.
According to the inspectors, the hands-on training exposed them to a comprehensive 96-month scheduled aircraft maintenance inspection, enabling them to participate in detailed examinations of aircraft structures and critical systems, including electrical systems, hydraulic systems, landing gear and structural components.
They further disclosed that the programme provided valuable exposure to avionics systems, broadening their technical expertise beyond their primary maintenance discipline and giving them a more comprehensive understanding of aircraft inspection, maintenance procedures and regulatory oversight responsibilities.
Describing the experience as both demanding and transformative, the inspectors noted that the programme enabled them to better understand aircraft operations from the perspective of operators while strengthening their effectiveness as aviation safety regulators.
They said the practical exposure significantly enhanced their confidence and technical competence, preparing them to discharge their oversight responsibilities with greater professionalism and reaffirming their commitment to supporting the continued growth, safety and development of Sierra Leone’s aviation industry.
The successful completion of the specialist training programme reflects the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority’s continued commitment under the leadership of Director General Madam Musayeroh Barrie to developing a new generation of highly skilled aviation professionals capable of meeting international regulatory standards.
Through sustained investment in human capital, the Authority continues to position Sierra Leone as a country with the technical expertise and institutional capacity required to safeguard aviation safety while promoting a modern, resilient and self-reliant aviation sector driven by competent local professionals.
