Minister of Transport Blade Nzimande unveiled an Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), SOC Limited’s new state-of-the-art 3D Mobile Simulator, during the commemoration of the annual International Civil Aviation Day (ICAD) in Mbombela, Mpumalanga.
The minister was accompanied by Deputy Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga. Dignitaries included high-ranking officials from the provincial government; Mbombela Municipality; various entities of the Department of Transport, including the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) and other state-owned aviation industry companies such as Denel and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
ATNS board chairperson Simphiwe Thobela said the mobile simulator was intended to bring the interior of an Air Traffic Services Tower and the Airport environment into display, especially to rural and remote rural areas. “The simulator will enable learners from the remotest of our country to be able to apply for our Air Traffic Controller Bursary, through the simulation experience they will undergo,” said Thobela.
ATNS has adopted the promotion of mathematics and physical science as its flagship project. “To date, we have built information and communications technology (ICT) and science laboratories at more than 15 rural schools across the length and breadth of South Africa,” said Thobela.
This project has increased the pool of mathematics and science learners the ATNS may attract and train as air traffic controllers.
