Chairman of the National Association of Air Traffic Engineers (NAAE) Lagos chapter, Engr Mobolaji Ahmed, emphasized the crucial role of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEPs) during the celebration of International ATSEP Day in Lagos marked on November 12.
He commended their dedication, highlighting their responsibility in maintaining the safety and efficiency of global air travel.
“I would like to thank all of the ATSEPs around the world for their hard work and dedication. You play a critical role in keeping our skies safe”.
According to Ahmed, ATSEPs are the backbone of the aviation system, overseeing the installation, maintenance, and operation of complex electronic systems that ensure the safety of the skies.
He acknowledged the challenging yet rewarding nature of their job and urged ATSEPs worldwide to continue their hard work in preserving air safety.
“Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel are also responsible for the safe and efficient operation of air traffic control systems. They do this by inspecting, maintaining, certifying and repairing these systems ATSEPs are highly trained and skilled professionals”.
In support of this perspective, Engr (Dr) Felicia Agubata, the Head of Department terrestrial services at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, and the immediate past president of the Association of Professional Women Engineers Nigeria, praised the ingenuity and hard work of ATSEPs.
She emphasized the behind-the-scenes role of these professionals, ensuring that aircraft move safely from point A to point B by maintaining landing aids, surveillance systems, and communication equipment.
Agubata underlined the often overlooked nature of ATSEPs’ work, emphasizing that their contributions become apparent only when equipment malfunctions.
She highlighted the critical function of ATSEPs in providing the human-machine interface for communication between pilots and air traffic controllers, ultimately ensuring a seamless operation backed by well-maintained equipment.
“We the are men and women behind the scenes and nobody sees us and hears from us. They only know about us when the equipment is faulty, when the Radio is bad, when the radar is bad. That is when they hear about us”.
