The Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority Celebrates 25 Years

NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021 22 JAMAICA CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY 25TH ANNIVERSARY F T I N THE quarter-century since its founding on May 6, 1996, the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) has developed into a note- worthy entity, defined by its vital and exemplary service, efficiency, professionalism and effective leadership. However, despite the considerable respect the JCAA com- mands in the international world of aviation, many persons, includ- ing several within Jamaica, remain unaware of the essential role the JCAA plays in national development and our country’s legacy of aviation performance. The work of the JCAA is managed by four main divisions, namely Regulatory Affairs, Air Navigation Services, Corporate Services and the Director General’s Office. The organisation is led by a director general, who is assisted by three deputy directors general, each of whom manages a division. The establishment of the JCAA in 1996 ushered in a new era in Jamaica’s aviation industry, which was previously regulated by the Civil Aviation Department (CAD). The CAD was founded in 1947 and was credited with the birth of Jamaica’s aviation industry regulation and its air navigation services provision. The founding of the JCAA, however, represented the embodiment of a transformed CAD, while setting the stage for the expansion, modernisa- tion and improvement of Jamaica’s civil aviation industry, in line with the needs of national development and the growth and evolution of a harmonised, global air transport sector. In carrying out its designation as the statutory organisation within the Ministry of Transport and Mining, which is responsible for aviation regulation and the provi- sion of air navigation services, the JCAA is internationally recognised for its execution of the following roles: • The safe and orderly conduct of all aviation activities within Jamaica and those conducted overseas by Jamaican operators; • Efficient and user-responsive air navigation services to the na- tional and international aviation communities; • Cooperation with other agen- cies in the facilitation, provision and regulation of a reliable and safe air transport system; and • The maintenance of a condu- cive environment for the develop- ment and self-actualisation of team members. While the list of noteworthy activ- ities, accomplishments and facts is extensive, the following are some brief points, historical facts and gen- eral information which are worth noting: • Just one year after the JCAA’s establishment in 1996, Jamaica was designated a Category 1 safety rank- ing from the US Federal Aviation Administration. Jamaica has re- tained that classification ever since. • Through routine, scheduled and unscheduled Flight Safety and Security audits, as well as in- spections, surveillance and various licensing activities, the JCAA con- tinues to ensure the highest levels of safety and security for all users of Jamaica’s air transport system. • Over the last decade, the JCAA has continued to actualise its com- mitment to modernising and in- creasing the safety and efficiency of Jamaica’s air navigation services. Key developments have included: • The construction and commis- sioning of modern, industry-stand- ard air traffic control towers and systems; • An upgraded Kingston Air Traffic Control Centre, as the nu- cleus of Jamaica’s air traffic control operations; • Continuous improvements in radar technology and other The JCAA A beacon of Jamaican aviation excellence for 25 years The old Air Traffic Control Centre. The old Area Control Centre. 10