FIFTEEN technical staff at the National Airport’s Corporation recently received specialized training in the Installation and Supervision of Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) Systems in Kavieng, New Ireland Province.

The AGL Systems are crucial in airport operations as it helps pilots scope out the runway clearly before landing the aircraft and even aids in a safe take-off. The AGL Systems are most helpful during night times and bad weather conditions.

Those who underwent the training were equipped with the knowledge to train other colleagues at other airports in the country, as well as supervise and carryout maintenance works on AGL Systems at the airports.

In a statement, NAC explained that in the past, only a handful of NAC technical staff carried out AGL installation under the supervision of ADBSG, however, since they began in-country training, the attendance in participation began to grow.

The statement further explained that the training coincides with the redevelopments of regional airports around PNG and therefore, NAC is taking measures to ensure their staff members are skilled in the latest technological advances in airport operations to ensure its aerodrome environment is safe and secure and in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, as well as PNG CASA rules and regulations.

The training on AGL Systems was conducted by Mr Sam Gray from ADB Safegate (ADBSG), a world-renowned company specialized in providing integrated airport solutions for safe, environmentally friendly and efficient airport operations.

He was assisted by NAC CADIP consultant, Saibal Bose who is specialized in Electrical Engineering.

The training took place in late July to early August and was funded by the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program (CADIP).