The 2018 Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Aerodrome Certification Workshop was held from 6 to 9 August 2018 in the beautiful State of Pohnpei. Hosted by the Pohnpei Port Authority (PPA), this was the fourth aerodrome workshop organized by the neighbouring States, and the first time since 2014 that ACI was invited to attend, which was considered a major achievement for the event.
The workshop had approximately 80 delegates in attendance representing airports, airport operators, civil aviation organizations, consultants and other service providers from the Micronesian and South Pacific islands – Pohnpei, Kosrae, Chuuk, Republic of Marshall Islands, Palau, Guam, Hawaii, Saipan, Kiribati, Nauru – with special participation from Singapore (Singapore Aviation Academy – SAA), the US (Federal Aviation Administration – FAA) and Canada (ACI).
The invitation to participate was extended by Gordon Wong, Manager, FAA Honolulu Airports District Office (ADO), through William “Will” J. Brown, FAA Certification Inspector for the region.
The workshop was held each day from 8:30 to 16:30. The first day included opening prayers, welcome remarks, recognition of VIPs, members of the board, dignitaries and speakers and an official group photo session. Speaker presentations followed and continued until Day 4. A group tour was organized on Day 5.
Workshop framework
This year’s workshop theme was “Harmonizing Modern Day Aviation Safety Challenges with Yesterday’s Island Core Values and Empowerment, Today’s Technology and Tomorrow’s Innovation.” All the presentations revolved around fostering aviation safety to encourage knowledge sharing and greater coordination in the industry for a harmonized approach to safety, taking into consideration the challenges and culture specific to the islands.
On the first day, the FAA shared activity updates through the FAA Honolulu ADO and FAA international engagement. SAA presented an overview of their aviation academy, School of Airport Emergency Services and the Airport Emergency Plan. The FSM Air Transportation System also presented updates on their engagement with the four FSM airports (Yap, Chuuk, Kosrae and Pohnpei).
Day Two focussed on safety management system (SMS) implementation updates from each airport, followed by safety initiatives offered through ACI, as well as an overview on flight information services, airport security training and medical updates/outbreaks.
Day Three featured presentations on the full-scale rescue and firefighting exercises conducted by each airport, the challenges and lessons learned, including training requirements and updates.
The final day of presentations included FAA’s evaluation of emergency full-scale exercises, wildlife hazard management, fuel safety, airport self-inspection and decontamination of hazardous materials. The workshop concluded with members of the Board presenting gifts to each of the speakers and closing remarks delivered by Ronald Reyes, Airport Manager, PPA.
Promoting airport safety through ACI
For the ACI presentation, I highlighted the safety initiatives done on behalf of airports through the committees (world and regional), training, APEX, publications, events and financial assistance through the Developing Nations Airport Assistance (DNA) Programme and ACI Asia-Pacific’s Small Airports Assistance Programme.
It was heartwarming to witness ACI being mentioned in other speakers’ presentations. Chief Martinez Jacobs, State of Hawaii Department of Transport – Airports Division, was complimentary about the ACI training their airports have received thus far, particularly the calibre of the safety instructors, the wealth of knowledge imparted and the practical aspects that give value to the course delivery.
Dawn Ward, Project Manager, Project Management Inc., emphasized that the practical visits were the highlights of the ACI courses she attended, cementing lessons learned in the class. Likewise, Jayson Ringlen, Airport Operations Assistant, PPA, included his online Airport Operations Diploma Programme certificate in his presentation to impart the importance and value of training as integral to one’s professional development.
Hosted events and activities
PPA were gracious hosts, providing VIP airport assistance, on site assistance and various social events throughout the week. The whole event was well organized, meals were exceptional and their hospitality was second to none. Official dinners were held on Days 1, 2 and 4 by the host and sponsoring organizations. On Day 5, a group day tour was organized for the delegates to Ant Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Preserve, privately owned by William H. Hawley Sr., Chairman of the PPA Board of Directors.
Needless to say, the workshop was a huge success, and I would like to personally thank PPA and all the organizers for a successful workshop. It was truly an honour to have been invited to participate and share how ACI can help as part of our ongoing mission to represent and serve the interests of airports worldwide. Kalahngan!
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