Experts have urged the aviation engineers to embrace cutting-edge technologies as a way of bolstering aviation safety.
Speaking during the opening of the 15th International Federation of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Associations(IFATSEA) African Region meeting at Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo, the board chairperson of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority(UCAA) Justice Steven Kavuma said safety is critical in the aviation sector, underscoring the critical importance and the role played by engineers in aviation.
“Engineers are engaged in the design, installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of aviation infrastructure, which is a critical role in ensuring that the aviation industry thrives safely. Aviation safety ought to be taken seriously at all costs because the outcomes in the event of an accident are devastating and a major aircraft accident can record high fatality counts, often higher than individual accidents involving cars, and it also attracts a lot of international news coverage,” Kavuma said.
“It is therefore important to put competence at the forefront of aviation engineering practitioners in the advent of evolving technology. The world is at a critical point in time where rapid technological advancements are reshaping the aviation landscape. As leaders, we must ensure that our engineers are equipped with the skills, tools, and mindset required to navigate this digital era effectively.”
The former deputy chief justice said there is need for aviation engineers to be up-to-date and proficient through continuous knowledge acquisition and practice.
“This is a culture enshrined in our procedures and UCAA is a champion of professional growth through a rigorous training regime. UCAA continuously allocates an adequate training budget to enable our engineers to keep abreast with industry developments,” he said.
The 15th IFATSEA African Region meeting that opened today will run until June, 19 under the theme, “Digital Transformation in Communication Navigation Surveillance (CNS)/Air Traffic Management (ATM): Strengthening Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP) Competencies for a Safer and Sustainable future.”
The president of the Uganda Air Traffic Safety Electronics Association (UGATSEA), Isaac Kamugo underscored the role of adopting cutting-edge technology by aviation engineers.
"The pace of technological advancement; particularly in artificial intelligence, automation, and digital systems; is reshaping the aviation landscape at an extraordinary rate. These rapid changes demand that we, as Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEPs), not only keep pace but lead with innovation, adaptability, and a renewed commitment to excellence,"Kamugo said.
The director in charge of airports and aviation security at UCAA, Eng.Ayub Sooma who represented the Director General, Fred Bamwesigye said the ever-evolving aviation landscape around the world, requires that the workforce, too evolves in terms of skills.
“Engineers in aviation form the backbone of air navigation safety. Their work underpins the safe and efficient operation of communication, navigation, and surveillance systems. As a regulator and service provider, UCAA remains steadfast in ensuring that our engineers are empowered through continuous professional development, skills upgrading, and exposure to modern technologies,” Eng.Sooma said.
He noted that UCAA has invested significantly in training programs and enabling environments to ensure that professionals are well-equipped to handle the demands of the digital era.
“The 4th Industrial Revolution presents both opportunities and challenges, and it is our responsibility as leaders to prepare our teams to innovate, adapt, and lead. At UCAA, we are not just adopting technology; we are fostering innovation.”