Offshore operator Omni Helicopters Guyana has selected its first two Guyanese citizens to participate in its ab-initio flight programme. Somant Heeralal and Yadram Ramcharran stood out from a competitive pool of nearly 20 candidates and are now set to undergo comprehensive training over the next 16 months at specialist flight training schools. 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). Their selection underscores OHGI's commitment to fostering Guyanese talent and providing opportunities for aspiring pilots from diverse backgrounds.

Heeralall, who initially pursued a medical degree at Texila American University Guyana and worked at Georgetown Public Hospital, joined Omni Helicopters in November 2023. He was one of six individuals selected for specialised training, encompassing both search and rescue swimming and aviation security. This experience ignited his interest in aviation. Ramcharran, on the other hand, embarked on a four year degree course at the Art Williams & Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School in September 2017. Despite facing financial challenges during the COVID period, he persevered and in December 2023 successfully completed his associate degree in aircraft maintenance engineering, earning accolades for his abilities and performance. As a student he gained practical experience through 'on the job training' at Ogle airport in Georgetown with CAMS and Omni Helicopters.

Heeralal and Ramcharran will begin rigorous academic and flight training, culminating in obtaining a commercial helicopter licence with an Instrument Flight Rating. 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.

"This is an important milestone for OHGI and the aviation community in Guyana as we welcome Somant and Yadram to our team as Guyana's first offshore ab-initio pilots," says Duncan Moore, CEO of offshore and onshore international at Omni Helicopters International. "We are confident that their talent, dedication and passion for aviation will drive them to great things, and also be an inspiration to others in Guyana seeking a flying career. Creating new opportunities for our national team remains one of our key priorities, and adds to more than half of our workforce who are already from Guyana. We will continue to make these investments in service with the goal of one day having an entirely Guyanese team."