PLS Staff Graduate from AIP Training

Staff of the Providenciales International Airports recently graduated from the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) training program facilitated by a representative of the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority this past Friday.

AIP is an essential part to the Integrated Aeronautical Information Package (IAIP) which contains aeronautical information necessary for safety of aircraft operations. It contains information such as regulations, procedures, aerodrome information and other pertinent data.

The Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) which publishes the AIP plays an important role in civil aviation, with the objective of ensuring the timely and accurate dissemination of information necessary for the safety, regularity, and efficiency of air navigation.

Students undertook a two-week course lead by facilitator Mrs. Sharon Edwards Francis, AIS Specialist employed with the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority. According to Mrs. Francis, “AIS is the brain/hub of international and local civil aviation, as information flows from the AIS to all stakeholders in the aviation industry worldwide (ATS, airlines, aviation chart producers, updaters of airborne computer-based navigation systems, data link systems, databases and Flight management systems, handling agents/FBOs, AIS of other States, et al).”

She further noted that, “the quality and integrity of the data/information published by the AIS is critical to flight safety. Adherence to ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) are vital to global standardization and safety.

From the Turks & Caicos Islands Airports Authority, six individuals namely: Mr. William John, Mrs. Jennifer James, Ms. Cammiel Laborde, Mr. Rico Smith, Ms. Donancia Cartwright and Ms. Straudia Gardiner undertook this training initiative. What was exceptional is the fact that through good relations these two Caribbean countries were able to work together and share information pertinent to their respective operations.

The Primary focus of the training were the ICAO specifications, Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) regarding the publishing of the various elements of the Integrated Aeronautical Information Package (IAIP). The key elements taught were: AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication), AIP Amendments, AIP Supplements, Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC), The AIRAC System (Aeronautical Information Regulation and Control), Trigger NOTAM (a special NOTAM associated with publication of AIRAC information).

“We are grateful for Mrs. Francis for the abundance of knowledge that she was able to impart to the participants of this training. I would like to congratulate the graduates on completing their studies and remind all that the information/ data received must always be handled in a very thorough and meticulous manner and be delivered in a positive way so as to enhance safety.” said ATS Manager, Emmanuel Rigby.

Following their completion of training, staff members were issued certificates to reflect their newly acquired skills and knowledge that they will now be expected to put to good use whilst carrying out their daily tasks in the aviation field.