The Course, AB Initio, also known as the ICAO 051 is the first rung of the ladder for a career in Air Traffic Control. The training was conducted in-house by two instructors, Mr. Oliver Farirayi and Mr. Ephrem Nehondo from Takeoff Aviation Academy, a UK based Aviation Training Organization, supported by the Training Unit section of the ATM division, SCAA.
The course started on 24th April to 16th June 2023. The trainees needed to complete 8 Modules in total ranging from Air Law, Air Traffic Management, and Human Factors. They also had to pass a total of 7 exams as well as completing different assignments, including a Professional Environment presentation based on a field visit to Praslin Domestic airport.
Following this graduation ceremony, the next phases of certification will continue prior to trainees being fully certified Air Traffic Controllers, by February 2024.
The General Manager responsible for Air Navigation Services (ANS) Department at SCAA, Ms. Esmee Samson highlighted the importance of this particular training for aspiring Air Traffic Controllers. In her remarks she noted that, ‘The AB Initio training is vital to teach the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to enable a trainee Air Traffic Controller to progress to a rated Air Traffic Controller. It is paramount to the well-being of this organization as it helps towards capacity building of our human resources and will help us meet the demands of this dynamic industry called Civil aviation, to have a trained and competent workforce that is recognized by all our partners, especially the International Civil Aviation Organization.’
The graduands were all elated with their success and noted the myriad challenges they had to overcome to succeed.
‘We all came in with the expectation and drive to become Air Traffic controllers. Although the course was very challenging, requiring a lot of focus, and sacrifices, as a team we were all determined to achieve 100% success rate, which we did.’ Ms. Lydie Morel, Trainee Air Traffic Controller, SCAA
‘Despite the compact 8 weeks, whereby we had to learn and assimilate about an industry that was new to most of us, the support that was given to us by rated air traffic controllers, instructors and the whole ANS team, we managed to complete this course with flying colours. It was worth it, and we are definitely looking forward to what’s to come.’ Mr. Ned Rosalie, Trainee Air Traffic Controller, SCAA
Also present at the short ceremony was the management team of ANS, the training team from the same Department as well as the instructor and course facilitator, Mr. Oliver Farirayi.
|
Ms. Lydie Morel and Ms. Gina Savy with Takeoff Academy Instructor Mr. Farirayi |
Mr. Dylan Simeon receiving his certificate from Mr. Louis Mancienne, Head of Air Traffic Management |
Group photo of the trainees with their certificate |
About SCAA
The Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) was established under the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority Act ,2005, as an administrative and financial body corporate to provide for the services, facilities and regulation of civil aviation activities in Seychelles, consistent and in accordance with national and international standards.
For more information, please visit: www.scaa.sc