The Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA), which operates the Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA) on Grand Cayman and the Charles Kirkconnell International Airport (CKIA) on Cayman Brac, proudly promotes three exceptional Air Traffic Control (ATC) Trainees to Air Traffic Control Officers at CKIA.
CKIA Air Traffic Control Trainees Lauryn Bennette, Jose Delgado, and Stephen Ebanks have successfully completed their training. The internationally recognised programme took eight (8) months to complete and has earned them the official designation of Licensed ATC Officers.
After completing the eight (8) months of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Ab-Initio Procedural Aerodrome and Approach Training Programme, delivered locally by USA based training school Advanced ATC and expertly led by instructors Hennie Marais, Brian Van Hout, Jonathan Kiefer, and Daunica Brock, followed by intensive simulator training at ORIA and an additional six (6) months of rigorous on-the-job training (OJT) at CKIA. These three (3) professionals have demonstrated the skills, knowledge, and commitment required to safely and effectively manage our airspace.
“Those times when you get up early and work hard. Those times when you stay up late and push through. Those times when you don’t feel like working, you’re too tired, you don’t want to push yourself, but you do it anyway. That is the dream. It’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey” said ATC Officer Stephen Ebanks.
Their on-the-job training was expertly guided by experienced instructors Rodney Dixon, Perry Norris, and Eric Bodden, whose mentorship and support played a pivotal role in preparing them for this significant milestone in their careers.
“Success is no accident. It comes from hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and, most of all, a love for what you do or are learning to do,” stated ATC Officer Jose Delgado. “To be an Air Traffic Controller is to be proud, bold, courageous, and confident and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Lauryn, Jose, and Stephen are now fully certified to operate independently and assume solo duties in the Air Traffic Control Tower at CKIA, demonstrating their expertise and readiness to manage critical air traffic operations with confidence and precision.
“I never dreamed about success. I worked for it. I stopped doubting myself, put in the hard work, and made it happen,” explained ATC Officer Lauryn Bennette. “Anyone can give up but holding it together when others expect you to fail, that shows true strength.”
“It’s been a privilege to watch Lauryn, Jose, and Stephen grow through this demanding process and rise to the challenge. Their professionalism, commitment, and teamwork throughout training have been impressive,” enthused CKIA Airport Manager and ATC Examiner Joshua Burke. “As their Manager and Examiner, I’m incredibly proud of their success and confident in their ability to uphold the highest standards of air traffic control at CKIA.”
The CIAA is proud to support young Caymanian professionals in achieving their dream career in air traffic control and encourages other likeminded individuals to pursue a fulfilling career in the aviation industry. The CIAA extends its warmest congratulations to the newly promoted ATC Officers on their achievements and success and looks forward to seeing them thrive in their careers.
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