For the first time in seven years, Namibia’s aviation training curriculum is getting a long-overdue upgrade and it’s being led by commercial pilot and instructor Tatenda Chigwada.
He is set to launch The Namibian Radiotelephony Manual for Pilots, the comprehensive guide tailored specifically to Namibian airspace, communication procedures and updated aviation regulations.
Passionate about aviation education and safety, Chigwada takes pride in contributing to the growth of Namibia’s aviation industry, one flight hour at a time.
The inspiration behind The Namibian Radiotelephony Manual for Pilots came from a deep need seen in the aviation training system. With the recent changes introduced by the Namibian Civil Aviation Authority, including a new radiotelephony syllabus and updated Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs), there was no single, current resource that fully addressed what students and instructors needed to prepare for this subject effectively.
“More than just a guide to speaking on the radio, this book emphasises the importance of understanding the regulations, procedures, and technical aspects that govern aviation communication. With clear examples and explanations tailored to Namibian contexts, the manual empowers users to communicate effectively and professionally in real-world operations,” he said.
This manual provides detailed insights into radio procedures, airspace operations and regulatory frameworks, making it an essential resource for both experienced and aspiring radiotelephony operators.
This manual is written in line with the recently promulgated CARs.
CARs are fully aligned with the Namibian Radiotelephony Syllabus for the Restricted and General Radiotelephony Licences. It serves as both a study guide and reference tool for those preparing for the theoretical examinations and practical skills tests, offering clarity and confidence in mastering key competencies.
As a flight instructor, he constantly found himself pulling content from outdated materials or multiple foreign sources that did not reflect the specific procedures or realities of Namibian airspace. This made teaching and learning radiotelephony unnecessarily complicated and inefficient, especially at a time when demand for aviation training is growing, and radiotelephony is now essential not only for pilots but also for drone operators and ground personnel.
But this book didn’t just come from observation and frustration; it came through a dream. “What started as a gap in training turned into a mission to create something meaningful, useful and grounded in both faith and function. I hope this book will serve as a tool for learning, a guide for safer skies and a testimony of what happens when you follow the call placed on your life,” he said.
Chigwada added that it took him a little over nine months to write and publish The Namibian Radiotelephony Manual for Pilots. My friends often joke that I gave birth to a baby since the timeline mirrors a full-term pregnancy, and honestly, it felt just as intense and personal, he said.
“Balancing the demands of an eight to five job while writing meant many late nights, early mornings and weekends spent buried in research. I had to read through a wide range of books, manuals and regulations, some local, some international, just to ensure every chapter was accurate, clear and aligned with the Namibian syllabus and regulations. It was a time-consuming journey, but one that taught me discipline, deepened my understanding of the subject and reinforced my commitment to improving aviation training in Namibia,” he said.
Chigwada noted that writing The Namibian Radiotelephony Manual for Pilots came with its fair share of challenges, both personal and professional. Time was the biggest hurdle. His full-time job as a flight instructor is demanding, and by the time he had a moment to write or research, he was often too exhausted to make meaningful progress. There were days he would finally get time to sit down, only to feel overwhelmed by the amount of reading and cross-referencing required for the next topic. “At times, it felt demoralising, I sometimes thought, maybe I can’t do this.”
“This book is intended for anyone in the aviation industry, or anyone looking to enter and operate within Namibian airspace. Whether you’re a student pilot, drone operator, ground handler, or air traffic personnel, The Namibian Radiotelephony Manual for Pilots provides the essential knowledge and guidance needed to communicate effectively and in line with current regulations,” Chigwada concluded.
-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na