To establish the first ever CAAP E-LIBRARY
When our Air Traffic Control Chief received a memorandum from the Central Office Manila that the establishment of an Air Traffic Service library in every facility is one of the basic requirements of the just instituted Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, most of us took the news as a chance to make a difference especially in providing service to our fellow aviation workers.
It’s a chance to share the resources that we have with the airlines, general aviation, agricultural, military and student pilots whom we extend air traffic service to. It’s a chance to put up a center where we can build not only better camaraderie with the airport users but at the same time provide interested individuals to have a glimpse of what this least appreciated Air Traffic Control is all about.
When finally established, this will be the first ever E-library created in the history of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.
Why the chance to share resources
Many aviation accidents involving agricultural and military aircraft happened during the last quarter of 2008. Lives were lost, properties were damaged and series methodical investigations were conducted to determine the causes of the mishaps. It was during that time when we met agri-pilot Capt. Bong Vergara of Airwolf Aviation Corporation. A sprayer aircraft (AGCAT) was torched to ashes by unidentified armed men in an airstrip in Panabo and they were forced to relocate five of their expensive sprayer aircraft servicing large banana plantations in Davao del Norte for safekeeping to PAAC hangar here at Davao Int’l Airport. When I relayed to him our plans and objectives in putting up an E-Library, he welcomed the idea since they would be needing references for the agri-aviation local procedures that their group’s been drafting since last year.
A friend pilot of an OV-10 military fighter plane was also pleased about the plan. “We will try to share what we have…local procedures for military aircraft for the e-library.” The OV10 pilot said.
Capt. Mackie Francisco, a Piper Navaho pilot takes this project as a trailblazing step in Philippine aviation and hopes this will be supported by the proper authorities. “Come to think of it, everybody benefits from safe and efficient air transportation; whether you fly or not.” He commented.”I am proud that concerned individuals from my home airport, Davao International, are spearheading this drive. I certainly hope that one day ignorance and complacency in the skies will be eliminated through this information initiative.” He added.
True.
After all, Air Traffic Controllers, Pilots, Communicators, ground crew and everyone in the aviation industry have one common objective. That is, the safety of the flying public.
Why E-library
Basically, the Library will be furnished with useful aviation related materials such as Aeronautical Information Publications AIP), International Civil Aviation Organizations (ICAO) annexes, general and local procedures files, training manual and procedures, aviation reading materials, topographical maps, collection of aviation related and aircraft accident films. Some of these are already being compiled, ready for use the moment the library officially opens.
But, we want our library to be different, multifunctional, useful, and with internet connection. It will not only serve as proficiency and “recurrency” training center for rated and non-rated ATCs. Air Traffic Controllers are required to undergo an annual “recurrency program” or refresher trainings for better mastery of air traffic control skills and procedures. Most importantly, it will also become a center of information for Air Traffic Controllers, pilots (general aviation, military and agricultural pilots) and other airline personnel to research, surf, and secure copies of available general and local procedures, and other aviation related materials. Pilots and other airport users can have access to the library provided they ask permission in advance for their schedule of use.
City Government’s support
Four months ago, we have already decided on the perfect place for the E-library. But as each week went by, we felt more disappointed every time we looked at the room devoid of the essential equipment. Waste of precious time.
The-E-library needs to have at least two sets of computers, a printer, a projector (for proficiency training and film showing for the library users) and an internet connection. No problem with manpower. We are overflowing with that. We have submitted a request letter and program of work to the concerned airport officers but as expected, our agency can never allocate funds for this. Desperately, we resorted to plan B.
Our most sincere gratitude for the support of Davao City Vice-Mayor Sarah Z. Duterte for the new set of computer with printer and Councilor Pilar C. Braga for persistently helping us lobby our proposal to the City government. Likewise, CAAP Consultant Mr. Ramon Garcia who is a licensed pilot himself, also promised to help us find sponsors for another set of computer and other equipment.
Like Vice Mayor Sarah Duterte and Councilor Pilar Braga, it is noteworthy to mention that Mr. Sonny also believes this noble project is worthy of support.
(published in SUNSTARDAVAO January 25,2009 issue page 10)
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