International Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) Day was designated by the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers Association (IFATCA) to commemorate its founding on 20th October 1961. IFATCA represents 135 associated members representing over 50,000 ATC worldwide.
This year, the Air Traffic Control (ATC) staff of Dominica is proud and elated in recognizing in a special way, Air Traffic Controllers Day, October 20 2012.
Air Traffic Control exists because of the need to conduct the flow of air traffic in such a manner so as to avoid as much as possible collisions and delays of air traffic airborne, as well as on the ground. So in effect, the prime responsibility of an Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO) is to seek to ensure at all times that the flow of air traffic is maintained and conducted in a safe, expeditious and orderly manner. Notwithstanding this, the pilot-in-command of an aircraft is ultimately responsible for the safety of his aircraft and its occupants.
As stipulated by the governing body of Civil Aviation, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), to practice ATC one has to be licensed in that respect. Licensing would include checking the individuals physical and mental fitness carried out by a specially certified medical practitioner recognized by the Civil Aviation Authority. Licenses are issued annually or biannually depending on the age of the individual. Once fit to perform as an ATCO, an Airman Certificate is issued which shall be in the personal possession of the holder at all times while exercising the privileges of his or her certificate.
In the process of becoming an ATCO, an ATC course has to be done at a recognized school of Air Traffic Control. Such a course is usually for the duration of at least seven months in which the students are taught the various courses and the regulations and guidelines of ICAO. A pass mark of at least 70% in every course subject is mandatory to successfully complete the ATC course.
No two days are the same in the seat of an ATCO in the Control Tower. The ATCO in reality can encounter many challenges, some of which are weather conditions, pilots who are not so proficient at the English language (English is the standard language in Aviation), poor Radio Transmission, non compliant pilots and a sudden heavy flow of traffic; just to name a few.
ATCO on duty provides the pilots with specific instructions and information relating to on-the -field/airport conditions, traffic information and other pertinent information that would ensure safe landings, takeoffs and flights to and from their destination. Information regarding aircraft arriving and departing from the airport is recorded on flight information strips. These strips allow the ATCO to record all data regarding one particular aircraft from engine start till the aircraft changes frequency to another Air Traffic Service Unit and likewise that Air Traffic Service Unit would have a strip with recordings of that aircraft’s flight. It is important to note here that from engine startup till landing time (of the aircraft) the pilot is constantly in contact with an ATCO; also, in Dominica and some other Caribbean islands ATCOs practice procedural control or non radar control.
The ATCO’s of Dominica have over the years provided good quality service to the Civil Aviation Industry and in effect assured Safety to the travelling public. We, ATCOs, are continually committed to do so in every respect given the limited conditions which we may experience from time to time.
We want to recognize our present employer, Dominica Air and Sea Port Authority (DASPA) and the Government of Dominica who continue to ensure that the controllers operate in a proper working environment. At Melville Hall we can boast of having one of the most modern state of the art ATC consoles.
We say many thanks to the Meteorological Office, which continually provides the Control Tower with updated Airport Surface Conditions (wind, barometric pressure, and other significant weather conditions). Thanks to the Fire and Rescue Service, the Security Officers, and airport maintenance staff who play a critical role in making the airport fit to carry out the formalities of air travel.
In closing, a sound word to the prospective ATCOs – ATC is a profession which must be taken seriously; there is absolutely no room for errors or mistakes, every decision you take, every instruction you give must be the best one at the time, every time, all the time.
Happy Air Traffic Controllers Day!!
May God continue to bless and protect all of u. He knows what u go through.
Congrats Melville Hall and Canefield atc keep doing a good job.
ask how many of them had the right qualification for that job there?a job that required a field of science and a foreign language……………..
I am sure that all the Air Traffic Controllers in Dominica are qualified and have passed their ATC exams. And NO they do not need a foreign language since english is the official language. Get your facts straight before you creticize.
Keep up the good work AirTraffic Controllers.
Which foreign language, French, Spanish, Chinese or ……………..
DNO, we appreciate the relevant pictures…. of Dominican traffic controllers. Thanks.
I heard the Port manager on the news this morning. Is he an ATC? If not, is it that all ATCs are media-shy since they spend so much time speaking one on one?
I just find it would be best on a day that they are highlighted, they should get the limelight.
Congratulations to all Air Traffic Controllers especially Honica, Mervin, Cecilia, Gale and Keelan.
You work in the background but it is so important for our safety. So many people take to the skies every minute of everyday without even thinking of the ones behind the control. When flying we offer prayers to guide the pilots and co-pilots but do we ever lift the ATCs up in prayer?
In Dominica (and other small airports), the magnitude of your tasks are magnified since you often work alone at the consoles. You are human and God knows what could happen to incapacitate you in one way or another for a fleeting second and the consequences!
Your course of studies is only 7 months but I know it is intensive (I think the passmark is somewhere around 90%).
I hope that after the last flight has taken off tonight, you take the chance to celebrate on your day!
Congratulations are in order to all the air traffic controllers on this their special day. Thanks for looking out for us pilots and being an extra pair of eyes in the sky.
Very ineteresting piece of information. I am pleased to know that a course is only seven moths, I guess if one needs advancement he may apply for further more in depth studies. Keep up the good work guys.
I am one for the skies, I look forward to be in the pilot seat, above ground.
Good for them! An undervalued profession!