Peter Imanuel
The Namibian public frequently misunderstands civil aviation, classifying it as piloting.
Namibia’s commercial aviation development potential is enormous.
Even while our aviation industry is still quite small, it has recently experienced remarkable growth and still has a ton of space for future growth.
The Namibian air transport business does, however, confront severe issues that will impede its growth.
In slightly over a century, our industry has advanced from learning to fly to learning to fly faster and by flying bigger airplanes.
To become one of the world’s safest and most dependable modes of transportation, aviation has undoubtedly been at the forefront of innovation.
Understanding there is a small distinction between being a pilot and an aviation professional is important.
One could see and feel the widespread misunderstanding about civil aviation in Namibia from the recently concluded Unam Career Fair and Employment Expo 2022, where more than 1 400 students in grades 11 and 12 visited the Aeronautics & Astronautics Department’s stall at Unam.
Furthermore, it should be noted that some institutions have chosen not to support aviation programmes across the nation as a result of this false perception of the sector.
This misconception results from the distinction between piloting and aviation, which is the process of navigating in the air, using fixed points of reference on the sea or land, typically with the help of an aeronautical chart, to determine the position of the aircraft in relation to a desired course or location.
The field of science, industry or technology that is involved with any part of an aircraft’s operation is known as aviation.
The aviation sector is a dynamic one that prioritises security and safety.
Rapid technological development has, thus, resulting in the growth of an extremely complex and highly sophisticated industry.
Consequently, better aircraft designs can enhance and support the extraordinary safety advancements made by aviation engineers.
The Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics’ course offerings ensure students understand how an aircraft has improved reliability, safety and performance that should be adequate during operations at high speeds and altitudes.
Flight operations, air traffic control, aeronautical information, aviation meteorology, airport management, aviation safety and security, aviation administration as well as aircraft incidents and accident investigation services are just a few of the career opportunities available in the aviation industry.
To pursue the aforementioned employment options, one may enrol in an aviation course, such as the University of Namibia’s Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science (Honours).
The cost of the training is about average, compared to obtaining a commercial pilot’s license or paying for an education degree.
I believe that trainees or those with aspirations of becoming pilots should proceed without hesitation.
Aviation professionals can find their way into their ideal careers with the right advice.
I encourage young people to explore their options because, as the saying goes, “there are many ways to kill a cat”.
The same is true for the Namibian aviation industry.
You are referred to Chikohora Kudzanai for guidance on how to become a pilot without having to pay exorbitant fees: (1) Take an aviation course, (2) apply for a pilot position with the ministry of defence, and (3) check the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority website for aviation bursaries.
The significant logistical effects in and around airports to ensure that the infrastructure can support this increase are not the least of the problems brought on by the rising demand for air travel.
As the industry aims to handle a nearly doubling of passenger and freight traffic, pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers and other aviation-related positions are likely to be in high demand.
It is understood that new methods and technologies will be necessary to sustain this expansion.
Aviation is important because it can help the growing mobility sector gain public trust and become more sustainable by sharing and utilising its technology and best practices with other modes of transportation.
This will enhance the global network of rapid transportation, which will boost economic growth, create jobs and ease travel and trade internationally.
Air travel moves people and goods around the globe – and like bees pollinating the world economy, it can have a significant impact on the long-term viability, and social and economic growth of a region.
The international community today acknowledges aviation as a crucial enabler in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Aviation has developed into a global economic facilitator.
Given that, civil aviation is a future-focused industry; all stakeholders in Namibia should re-evaluate current funding practices for aviation students.
Economic and technical regulatory framework policymaking is the responsibility of the government.
The Bank of Namibia is essential in helping the government create appropriate regulatory frameworks and ensure technical and economic laws are followed.
In the past, providing such assistance to governments has proven to be impossible without the participation of development organisations.
The bank will establish itself as a significant player in the aviation industry through capacity-building and technical support, providing loans and grants to students and helping them to bring their sectors into line with international standards and best practices.
An outcomes framework will be used to monitor the aviation framework’s implementation, and its impact will be assessed in relation to the bank’s dedication to the sector’s objectives. These include promoting the development of air transport infrastructure through increased private sector participation, improving the operational efficiency and sustainability of Namibian airlines, which will lead to lower fares and improving the effective implementation of international standards and recommendations in civil aviation frameworks to meet minimum safety and security targets.
The availability of dependable air transportation services allows people to access better living conditions, food, healthcare, education, safe neighbourhoods and places as well as other necessities.
The world’s safest and most effective long-distance mode of transportation is aviation.
It is a quick and dependable way to get crucial humanitarian aid delivered during natural disasters, famines and wars – and it is occasionally the only way to get medical care and food supplies to many remote locations.
In remote or outlying places, air transportation provides connections that might not otherwise be possible.
Students from across the world have access to educational possibilities, especially those from developing countries, who must travel abroad to receive a better education.
The discussion of aviation innovation will demonstrate how changes in the sector affect other markets and forms of transportation.
Sustainable mobility would only be possible if all forms of transportation cooperated to thoroughly address the inefficiencies in the current transportation system as well as to evaluate the effects of and coordinate the deployment of innovations.
- pimanuel@gmail.com
*Peter Imanuel is a lecturer at UNAM in the Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics. This paper was written in his personal capacity.