300 aspirants start path for air traffic controllers
About 300 aspiring air traffic controllers took the exam that would qualify them to train for the country’s Comprehensive Air Traffic Service (CATS) at 11 testing sites across the country, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) said on Saturday.
The exams were held simultaneously at the Caap central office in Pasay City and regional centers in Isabela, Clark, Jolo, Occidental Mindoro, Davao, Bohol-Panglao, Tacloban, Pagadian, Laguindingan and Coron.
In a statement, the agency said the qualifying exam serves as a “critical gateway” for aspiring aviation professionals seeking to enter the fields of air-traffic control and aviation communication systems.
“There is no set target or quota as this is a qualifying exam. Those who meet the required standards will proceed to the next stage of the course,” the Caap said.
Rigid screening
The next stages include a rigorous medical exam requiring 20/20 vision, followed by 10 months of training with almost weekly tests. The training program is free of charge, but excludes accommodations and living expenses.
After the 10-month training, candidates will still have to undergo two months of on-the-job training, at entry-level pay, before they are given official assignments.
Rigorous screening of candidates ensures that only the most capable and committed individuals are selected to uphold the safety and efficiency of the country’s airspace, the agency added.
In May 2023, about 100 men and women qualified for the training program. Only 66 successfully completed the course last year.
Caap Director General Raul Del Rosario described the exam as “an investment in a new generation of aviation professionals who will safeguard the future of Philippine aviation.”
The exam was overseen by proctors and representatives from Caap’s air traffic service, civil aviation training center, human resource and management department, as well as area and airport offices.
The course is in line with training standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and designed to meet growing domestic and international demand for air traffic professionals.
