In Apia, a group of Samoan weather forecasters and observers are charting a new course for aviation safety across the Pacific.

Six members of the Samoa Meteorological Services (SMS), have recently completed a 16-week Aviation Meteorological Forecaster (AMF) training program delivered by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (Bureau) under the Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation (P4A) Program.  The Bureau is working with P4A to boost the skills and capabilities of forecasters through training and peer-to-peer support across the Pacific. 

The training was delivered by Dr Adam Morgan, a Bureau trainer and ABC weather presenter from Australia. Dr Morgan worked with the SMS to develop a framework for their forecasters, and online training materials. He delivered face-to-face practical training and assessments, as well as assisting the SMS to customise their aviation forecaster modules to ensure that future aviation weather services are fit for purpose.  

Among the trainees were Aloali’i Liu, Fa’auiga Kalapani and Sepi Gafa, who completed their AMF Foundation Competency, while Gospel Niko, Albert Niko and Manu Jr Solomona successfully completed the foundations to become Aeronautical Meteorological Forecasters. 

“The AMF training established a solid foundation and paved the way for effective implementation of aviation services within SMS by enhancing our staff’s capability to monitor, prepare, and disseminate aviation weather products.” said Maccarios Auvae, Deputy Director of SMS.  

The AMF training has been delivered in Kiribati and Samoa and is planned for delivery in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. 

The Australian Government, through technical expertise from the Bureau, continues to support Pacific island states to build local expertise for a safe, secure and sustainable aviation sector.