AEROTALK

The Aeronautical Engineering Research Organization (AERO) piloted a Career Talk for engineering students on February 21, March 28, and April 25, 2022. This point and overflowing knowledge tri-episode Career Talk invited esteemed guests to talk about their in-field experience and expertise in aviation.

Entitled, “AEROTALK”, the guest field experts aimed to entice the students to indulge in various field works in the industry. The first episode tackled the Aerodrome Certification, the second of which showcased the technical aspects of Aerodrome Inspection, and Airport Planning for the third.

Engr. Alfred Joaquin Rojero of Safety, Quality and Environment Department – Airport Operation Jet Handler Asia Services Incorporated⁠—indulges in the process of granting an aerodrome certification for an efficient and high-quality operation of an airport. He tackled the standards of the ICAO Annex 14 regarding the international standard of an aerodrome, presenting the different phases that an airport undergoes to obtain the said certificate namely: Phase 1, initial certification and submission of a letter of intent and application form; Phase 2, aerodrome manual review and acceptance; Phase 3, onsite verification; Phase 4, temporary issuance of aerodrome certificate; and lastly Phase 5, initial surveillance. He also added that an airport might operate regardless of having an aerodrome certificate given that it will not provide any means of international operations.

The technical aspect of aerodrome inspection is tackled by Flight Technical Engineer of Cebu Pacific Air Engr. Evan Kryz C. Masbate in the second episode of the trilogy. He started with his experience and the moments of being a flight technical engineer. He also showed how the critical profession ensures a top-notch flight operation including observation of weight and balance, aircraft performance, aircraft documentation, and aircraft inspection. He then added the roles of a flight technical engineer regarding aerodrome inspection. He said that a flight technical engineer inspects various obstacles - these are objects or bodies that pose a threat to the airport operation and directly relays the information to the authority and operator.

A geodetic and civil engineer of Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines concluded the series with on-the-spot instructions concerning airport design and planning. Engr. Francisco Alconera, with his 30 years of experience, relayed knowledge on airport design in different terrains and obstacles. He accentuated in designing and constructing terminals, runways, navigational aids, and aerodrome facilities that allow airline operations. He likewise talked about the conditions of constructing an airport, which includes passenger traffic forecast, geographical location, political conditions, wind direction, terrain consideration, social and environmental impact, and economic reasons.

An interactive quiz after each episode was then made possible for the audience to take part in the prize pool.