2015 Fred Mabonga. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 02/19/2015

ISBN: 978-1-4969-6995-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-7012-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015902587

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Table of Contents

I.   Acknowledgements

II.   Foreword

III.   Abbreviations

1.   About Aviation

2.   Aviation History

3.   Aviation Regulations

4.   Aircraft Manufacture

5.   Aircraft Maintenance

6.   Aircraft Operations

7.   The Airline Business

8.   Training

9.   Air Traffic Control

10.   Aviation Meteorology

11.   Conclusion

IV.   Bibliography

V.   About the Author

This book is

dedicated to my two daughters, Kakai Lakeri Mabonga and Judith Nabifo Mabonga, my princesses, who inspired me through their outstanding abilities and brilliance.

Acknowledgements

I would like to acknowledge the very many people I have had the pleasure of dealing with throughout my carrier in aviation. Starting from my days as an aviation student to my many years of working experience in various aviation organisations in different countries, I have interacted with numerous professionals who have made meaningful contributions to my professional abilities.

I look back with admiration to all my lecturers and instructors who imparted knowledge and skills and who had the confidence in me to become an aviation professional.

Looking back at my training days in the United Kingdom and the several industry-type courses from various aircraft manufacturers of different aircraft types, I can only be thankful for the knowledge I have gained over the years.

During my days as a technical instructor developing training programs for various airlines and organisations, I played my part in imparting the knowledge and skills to the next generation of aviation professionals.

In writing this book, I wanted to reach as many people as possible who needed to know something about aviation as well as those contemplating a career in aviation.

I am grateful for all the men and women in aviation with whom I have come in contact and shared many experiences in making aviation safe and a worthwhile vocation.

In furthering aviation safety, I would like to acknowledge Gordon Dupont, the founder of System Safety Services in Canada, with whom I have worked to make to make aviation safe. Known as the Father of the Dirty Dozen, Human Factors Training style, Gordon’s work has taken him around the world teaching aviation safety so people can avoid mistakes they never intend to make. It is Gordon’s and my wish that we shall make a breakthrough in achieving total aviation safety, especially in regions of the world such as Africa, where achieving aviation safety has been a huge challenge. In acknowledging Gordon’s work, I hope that other men and women in aviation will join us in making a contribution to achieving and upholding aviation safety.

Heartfelt thanks to the following special people:

Joyce Nkuwa Mabonga (airline professional, retired crew): You stood by me in a special way during the writing of this book and while burning of the midnight oil. Thanks for your words of encouragement and great nutrition!

Sister Rose Nambozo: You are amazing! You made all this possible and constantly pushed me to publish in the United States. You are a great sponsor with strong words of encouragement.

Nkweto (Liz) Mfula