NAMA trains 80 at NCAT to bridge capacity gaps
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) says a total of 80 personnel have been programmed for training at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria this year with first batch of 20 already receiving training
NAMA’s Director of Safety Electronics and Engineering Services, Ahmad Umar Faruk, an engineer disclosed this in Abuja at the 9th IFATSEA African Regional Conference said only properly trained personnel can successfully execute timely system maintenance procedures at CNS Stations easily effectively.
Faruk noted that the quality of maintenance and level of competence possessed by any ATSEPs has a direct bearing on training undergone and certification obtained.
“As I speak we have programmed 80 personnel to be trained at NCAT Zaria this year alone, the first batch of 20 personnel are already in Zaria since last week. I urge other CAAs in Africa to follow the example of Nigeria by providing and facilitating the speedy training and licensing of ATSEPs in their respective countries”
According to him, untrained ATSEP was a potential risk to the system adding that training remained the only mitigation.
Faruk noted that aviation industry growth and change resulted in safety threats different from those of the past hence the fundamental objective of the International Civil Aviation Organisation was safety in the global air transport system.
He noted that the aim of collaboration among aircraft manufacturers, pilots, engineers among others was to ensure high level of safety in the skies and on ground.
According to Faruk, aviation safety depended on technology hence ATSEPs were working behind the technology performing critical safety relevant and risk related maintenance on daily basis.
He stressed the need to encourage ATSEP personnel by according them more recognition at state, region and international levels noting that their contributions to the overall safety and efficient handling of air traffic was very significant to warrant their inclusion in Annex 1 to the Chicago Convention.
Faruk commended ATSEPs for keeping the African skies safe despite the challenges encountered, urging them to be very professional in their duties by sustaining integrity, reliability and availability of the services provided in line with best practices.
