– After successful completion of Approach Control (non-radar) training programme

Eight Air Traffic Controller Assistants (ATCAs) are now equipped with specialized skills after successfully completing their training in Approach Control (non-radar) App0119 programme. The certification ceremony was held on Wednesday October 23, 2019 at the Air Navigation Services Control Tower at Timehri, East Bank Demerara.

Delivering the keynote address was the Director General, Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field, who passionately expressed his pleasure of their success. “I am extremely happy and pleased to be here celebrating with you today. This is a day that you will always remember” Col Field said. He encouraged the trainee ATCAs to maintain high standards, noting that such standards speak volumes about the individual and their attitude towards their work.

“Individuals must inculcate high standards especially when it comes to your profession. The way you approach your job tells how you will perform the job. This is a very serious job; you are the future of this industry; and we will ensure that you are equipped for the challenges ahead”.

Meanwhile, Director for the Air Navigation Services, Mr. Rickford Samaroo, noted that the participants’ performance was exceptional, obtaining 100% passes with an attendance rate of 80%. He also disclosed that the programme is one of the hardest training courses the participants have attended thus far. Mr. Samaroo also encouraged the ATCAs be diligent, discipline and hard working.

The App0119 Training Course started on June 10, 2019; and consists of 15 weeks of training, with 5 theoretical sessions, and 32 practical simulator sessions per person. The programme ended on October 7, 2019. The ATCAs are now equipped to provide air navigation services to aircraft moving from the descend to the landing phase, and vice versa.
The new batch of ATCAs have commenced the required on the job training.