JCAA Celebrates Graduation of First AFIS Cohort

Four members of the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA), who comprised the initial cohort of students participating in the Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) course, have successfully completed their training.

The team members – Nickayla Bryan, Brandon Spence, Anjinari Stephens and Kimberley Webb, will now transition to the Tinson Pen AFIS Unit for on-the-job training.

The AFIS course, conducted from February 10 to March 14, was developed and administered by the JCAA’s Civil Aviation Authority Training Institute (CAATI) in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines.

The intensive five-week curriculum covered 15 specialised modules, which included Air Law, Air Traffic Management, Meteorology, Management of Emergency and Abnormal Situations, and Simulation-Based Training.

The graduates acquired the knowledge, skills and operational mindset necessary to provide pilots and airfield personnel with information to enhance safety.

Prior to the introduction of this course, AFIS Officers (AFISOs) were trained using the broader and more comprehensive Aerodrome Control (ADC) Course, which encompassed both flight information service and air traffic control services. This training equipped the officers to issue air traffic control clearances and provide instructions.

While the ADC course offers a robust foundation, the new AFIS course is tailored specifically to the job functions of AFISOs, concentrating on the core responsibilities they will face daily within AFIS-designated airspace.

According to the ICAO, AFIS-designated airspace refers to the area surrounding an aerodrome where the AFIS delivers flight information and alerting services to aircraft within a specific class of airspace, ensuring safe and efficient air traffic flow.

JCAA Director General, Nari Williams-Singh, tells JIS News that by focusing on relevant areas, the new course improves efficiency and ensures AFISOs are thoroughly equipped and well-prepared for their responsibilities.

“The successful [implementation] of the inaugural AFIS course, which has resulted in the graduation of four individuals, is a milestone in our strategic efforts to enhance aerodrome safety in Jamaica,” the Director General says.

He adds, “The dedication of the CAATI staff and graduates exemplifies our continued commitment to global aviation safety standards, while ensuring that Jamaica’s aerodrome operations are efficient, responsive and internationally aligned.”

In this regard, Mr. Williams-Singh maintains that the on-the-job training experience these graduates will undergo will further refine their expertise and ensure they are fully prepared to carry out their roles.

He tells JIS News that the AFIS course’s implementation forms part of the JCAA’s broader mission to strengthen Jamaica’s aviation infrastructure, enhance flight safety and develop a highly skilled aviation workforce.

“With increasing air traffic demands and expanding regional connectivity, the role of AFISOs and other air traffic services personnel is becoming even more vital. This development also positions Jamaica as a regional leader in aviation training, with CAATI offering specialised programmes that contribute to both national and international air safety initiatives,” the Director General adds.

Mr. Williams-Singh advises that the JCAA plans to expand this training programme by inviting participants from across the Caribbean and beyond, further cementing Jamaica’s reputation as a premier aviation training hub in the region.

Meanwhile, CAATI’s Acting Principal, Marlon Gooden, notes that AFISOs provide essential situational awareness to pilots in locations where full air traffic control services may not be available.

“By training a new cadre of AFISOs, the JCAA is reinforcing its leadership in regional aviation safety and demonstrating proactive efforts to uphold ICAO-recommended best practices,” he states.

Mr. Gooden points out that the course’s development and delivery represents “a significant advancement in Jamaica’s and the CAATI’s aviation training capacity”.

“By equipping our trainees with robust theoretical knowledge and practical skills, we are strengthening the operational integrity of our aerodromes. These graduates will continue to play an integral role in safeguarding Jamaica’s airspace operations,” he adds.

For his part, CAATI’s Acting Head Instructor, Kurt Solomon, says he is satisfied with the course’s delivery and the graduates’ response.

“Delivering this course was more than just imparting technical knowledge… it was concerned with instilling a safety-first mindset. The expertise and professionalism demonstrated by the CAATI team and our graduates affirm the high standards we uphold as we continue to set new benchmarks for aviation personnel training in the region,” he tells JIS News.

Jamaica’s aviation industry plays a pivotal role in the country’s economic growth, tourism and global connectivity.

Safe and efficient airspace management is essential, particularly at aerodromes where pilots rely on real-time, accurate flight information.

The Civil Aviation Authority Training Institute (CAATI) is responsible for the training of Air Traffic Controllers and related subject matter experts.

The institute is a member of TRANAIR PLUS, which is the training arm of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

ICAO’s TRAINAIR PLUS Programme is a cooperative network of training organisations and industry partners, working together to develop and deliver ICAO-recognised training courses.