By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In an important milestone for Sierra Leone’s aviation sector, two dedicated staff members of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Michaella Theophilia Clemens and Sao Amara Sulleh, have successfully completed a one year and six months Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) Program at the Ethiopian Aviation University (EAU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Their achievement not only enhances their professional expertise but also significantly strengthens SLCAA’s regulatory compliance and safety oversight capacity.
The AMT training program, offered by one of Africa’s premier aviation institutions, is internationally recognized and structured in accordance with the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Regulations and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 1 of the Chicago Convention. It equips students with the essential knowledge and hands-on skills to ensure the safety, functionality and efficiency of aircraft operations.
Michaella Theophilia Clemens has been duly certified with Aircraft Maintenance Technician License No. MM 9501 while Sao Amara Sulleh has received License No. MM 9499. Both certifications affirm that they are fully qualified to carry out critical aircraft maintenance duties in line with international aviation standards.
The Director General of SLCAA, Madam Musayeroh Barrie, congratulated the two officers on their achievement, describing it as a landmark development in the Authority’s journey toward aviation excellence. “As DG of SLCAA, I am proud to announce the successful completion of the AMT program by two of our staff at Ethiopian Aviation University. This achievement marks a significant milestone in enhancing our technical capacity and reinforcing Sierra Leone’s commitment to aviation safety and international standards,” she said.
She further noted that the technical expertise gained by the graduates will contribute meaningfully to the Authority’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regulatory compliance, safety oversight and the overall advancement of the aviation industry in Sierra Leone. “Their expertise will contribute to the continued growth and global trust in our aviation sector,” Madam Musayeroh Barrie added.
The comprehensive AMT program involves rigorous training in aircraft inspections, preventive maintenance and repair procedures involving key components such as engines, electrical systems, avionics and landing gear. These competencies are crucial for ensuring operational safety and reliability in aviation, making the role of an Aircraft Maintenance Technician vital to the industry.
The training achievement is aligned with SLCAA’s broader strategic objective of building a robust and competent workforce capable of maintaining international safety and security standards. This is particularly important as Sierra Leone continues to implement reforms and improvements across its aviation infrastructure and operations.
In March 2025, SLCAA, in partnership with the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), also successfully hosted a four-day training program on Best Practices for Security Equipment Inspection (BPSE) at the SLCAA Training Hall at Freetown International Airport, Lungi. The training brought together key personnel from both SLCAA and the Airport Authority to enhance their capacity in managing and operating aviation security equipment, under the Civil Aviation Security in Africa, the Middle East and Asia (CASE II) Project funded by ECAC.
Since her appointment as Director General in August 2023, Madam Musayeroh Barrie has been instrumental in transforming Sierra Leone’s aviation landscape. Under her leadership, Sierra Leone has taken major strides toward international recognition. This includes Ethiopian Airlines commencing commercial operations in the country with its Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a development that supports President Julius Maada Bio’s vision for a more connected Sierra Leone.
At the Facilitation Global Summit 2024, Madam Musayeroh Barrie emphasized the need for harmonized international standards to boost security and passenger experience. She championed ICAO’s Annex 9 guidelines as vital tools in the global effort to secure and streamline air travel.
Furthermore, efforts are underway to address the safety and security deficiencies that led to Sierra Leone’s inclusion on the European Union aviation blacklist. Following high-level engagements in Brussels between SLCAA leadership and the European Commission, there is growing optimism that improvements in the country’s oversight systems will soon lead to its removal from the list.
The successful completion of the AMT training by Michaella Clemens and Sao Sulleh is a testament to SLCAA’s unwavering commitment to building a safer, more reliable and internationally respected aviation sector.
