The Guyana Civil Aviation Training School (CATS) on October 14 held a virtual graduation ceremony for thirteen trainees who have successfully completed the Aeronautical Information Manage-ment and Air Traffic Control Assistant training course AIMO-0120.
A release from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said that the graduation ceremony was held at the Air Navigation Services Control Tower at Timehri, East Bank Demerara.
The twelve-week training course started on February 3, 2020 but was suspended when the COVID-19 pandemic started impacting Guyana, the release said. The programme recommenced virtually on April 6.
The Ab Initio training prepares trainees for employment in the Air Navigation Services (ANS) Directorate, the release added. The new batch of ATCAs has started the required on-the-job training in the Aeronautical Information Services and Area Control Centre facilities for a stipulated period. Upon successful completion of this training, they will take up positions within the ANS Directorate.
Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill said that the trainees have chosen to embark on a career that can be considered “highly safety critical”, and requires a great amount of discipline, at a time when Guyana is at the cusp of exponential economic growth and development.
“I dare say that you will have to share the responsibility of ensuring that this country and the aviation sector attain the necessary ‘attitude’ in achieving its optimum ‘altitude’”, he said during a virtual appearance.
Minister in the Ministry of Works Deodat Indar, who also appeared virtually, encouraged the trainees to set goals and stay focused as he shared his experiences of moving from humble beginnings to success.
Director General, Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field in his virtual appearance admonished the graduates to maintain high levels of safety standards
