Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) SOC Ltd and the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have collaborated to establish structured Bursarship Programmes for Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCO) and Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP). These programmes aim to enhance the technical capabilities of NCAA personnel in air traffic control and engineering, aligning with internationally recognised aviation standards.
Designed by the ATNS Aviation Training Academy (ATA), both programmes will be delivered by its Air Traffic Services and engineering instructor teams.
The ATCO programme will span 18 weeks and consists of several components, including the AB Initio – Core Content course (15 weeks), the Aerodrome Control Course (8 weeks), and the PARTAC (Practical Airport Radio Telephony and Airside Competency) Course (1 week). Training methods will include classroom lectures, practical applications, video presentations, educational visits, and tuition. Additionally, simulator-based training will allow candidates to apply the knowledge they have gained. After completing the Aerodrome Control Course, ATC validation training will take place in Namibia.
This programme is designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for candidates to provide support services in Air Traffic and Aeronautical Information Management. They will learn how to collect, process, produce, and distribute Aeronautical Information, and to execute related duties within the Aeronautical Information Management framework. Furthermore, the candidates will have the option to pursue more specific and specialised air traffic services training.
Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP) are key professionals for the safe and efficient operation of the global air traffic management (ATM) network, as defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). They provide technical oversight for Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) systems. The ATSEP programme lasts for 31 weeks and is delivered in a structured classroom format, in accordance with the ATSEP Training Manual (ICAO Doc. 10057). The programme aims to equip candidates with both foundational knowledge and practical skills related to CNS systems.
In total, a cohort of 13 candidates will be trained at the ATNS ATA, 9 as ATCOs and 4 as ATSEPs from the NCAA.