Keeping the skies safe

When many of us step into an aeroplane, at any of the airports across the country, we don’t think about the air traffic controllers helping to keep the skies safe for us.

The air traffic controllers at Rand Airport were celebrated for the role they play in keeping the skies safe, last Sunday, on International Day of the Air Traffic Controller.

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“This day allows us, the Guild of Air Traffic Controllers of South Africa (GATCSA), in conjunction with the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers Association (IFATCA), a chance to celebrate the men and women who keep our skies safe,” said Walter Mashaba on behalf of GATCSA.

“These professionals work day and night, 365 days a year, to keep us safe and on time in a very complex aviation system.”

The day’s festivities included a special fly-over by the Puma Energy Flying Lions and the Netcare 911 helicopter, as well as talks from Stuart Coetzee (Rand Airport manager) and Walter, before guests enjoyed some tasty treats.

When asked why air traffic controllers are so important and why this position can never be overlooked, Walter shared his thoughts.

“Whilst pilots are ultimately responsible for the safety of their own flight, we, the air traffic controllers across the globe, are responsible for everyone in the sky,” he said.

“The main focus for us is to provide a safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic to our clients, the airlines and the flying public.

“Safety is the most critical component of this system, but controllers also aim to provide a service where efficiency in the use of runways and airspace is also achieved.

“The absence of air traffic controllers would lead to chaos in the sky.”

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When asked what it takes to become an air traffic controller, Walter explained, “In South Africa, air traffic controllers require a matric certificate with good marks in maths and English.

“The rest is a matter of making the selection, after which training starts and a candidate will slowly progress through the ranks.”

Walter thanked the flying community, every pilot, rescue and firefighting team who works with the air traffic controllers at Rand Airport.

“Together we provide safer skies,” said Walter.

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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za.

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