![]() A new system that is expected to alleviate the current staff pressures is due to go online in late 2023. It takes between four to four and a half years to train a new controller. In a briefing to the Parliamentary Transport Portfolio Committee in March this year, ATNS acknowledged that there was a 10% shortage of ATCs, particularly at Johannesburg International Airport, with staff loses of approximately 10% per year. ![]() ATNS deems such activities “serious criminal offenses under the South African Criminal Act.” Opportunities for Approach Control Officers (ATCO3) are at Polokwane and Kruger Mpumalanga airports.ĪTNS told defenceWeb that Mdawe and Mbambo “have no knowledge of any other agreement that is in existence, that has provisions and or amendments, relating to SAAF assisting ATNS with ATC services,” and called the leaking or sharing of documents, especially those still under review, as “unwarranted and reckless”. This arrangement aims to address staffing constraints currently faced by ATNS while simultaneously providing valuable traffic exposure and experience to SAAF ATC personnel,” the document explained.Īvailable positions include that of Aerodrome Control Officers (ATCO2) at Upington, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), King Shaka (Durban), Virginia (Durban), Rand (Germiston) and Bram Fischer (Bloemfontein) airports. “The Joint Strategy aims to establish a collaborative arrangement between ATNS and the SAAF for the deployment of SAAF ATC Officers at various ATNS ATSUs (Air Traffic Services Units). ![]() “As a result, a new ATNS/SAAF Joint HR Strategy is now in final stages of being accepted.” “One of the exciting new ventures of this cooperation initiative involves the sharing of human resources and human resource development responsibilities,” the memorandum states. In such meetings, there are deliberations on a variety of issues, the subject of which remains strictly classified, and restricted.”Īn internal memorandum from SAAF headquarters to the Chief Air Traffic Control Officers of its air force bases, seen by defenceWeb, communicated the latest developments regarding the strategic cooperation agreement as well as the subsequent new staffing opportunities that will become available to selected SAAF ATC officers. Furthermore, ATNS and SAAF have standing workgroups that meet regularly. This Master Cooperation Agreement allows ATNS and the SAAF to work together in several pertinent areas of common interest, largely in the deployment of infrastructure, training, human resource sharing, and airspace management. This agreement was a review of the agreement signed by ATNS and DOD (on behalf of SAAF) in 2002/2003, which largely remains the same today. Mkhize encouraged young people to consider jobs in aviation and to research any career they would like to pursue.įor more information on bursary opportunities at the Air Traffic and Navigation Services log on to -This article was originally published in the GCIS Vuk'uzenzele.ATNS said the agreement is intended to “facilitate cooperation by ensuring the provision of cost-effective and professional air traffic services and navigation infrastructure. In just one hour, there could be approximately 20 aircraft that she has to deal with. Pilots need to stay updated about the weather, and they also communicate if there is a need for rerouting, changing of speed, altitude or any hindrances. Safety is our number one priority,” she said. ![]() We communicate with the pilots using two-way radio communication. “I use all the information that I read on the screen to inform, advise and instruct pilots in order for them to transport passengers safely. Today her day-to-day tasks include air traffic management, monitoring information regarding weather patterns, checking equipment serviceability and communicating with pilots and other air traffic controllers in airports across the country and abroad. Her application was successful and she was invited for an aptitude test and medical examination, to determine if she was a suitable candidate and was admitted into the programme. I knew that I had to pass mathematics, physical science and English very well in order to meet the minimum requirements,” said Mkhize, who grew up in Groblersdal in Limpopo.Īfter completing matric, she visited ATNS’s website to apply for a job in aviation. I researched jobs in the aviation industry when I was in Grade 10 and developed great interest in this industry. “This is what I wanted to do after completing matric. This is a dream come true for Mkhize, who joined ATNS as part of the company’s bursary training programme in 2008, training as an air traffic service assistant at the company’s Aviation Training Academy. Mkhize works for Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) SOC Limited based at OR Tambo International Airport in Ekurhuleni. Mokgadi Mkhize (29) is an air traffic controller helping aircraft pilots ensure the safety of passengers when taking off and landing.
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