The Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation under the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) on Sunday opened its doors for registration of applicants for admission. Holders of high school diplomas in natural science may join the higher diploma and fast track program, which is a training program ending up with employment. The fields included in the program are fire and rescue and airport operations. Those wishing to join the program may apply through the academy's website www.saca.edu.sa until July 20. The academy stipulates that the applicants for the higher diploma in fire and rescue should be Saudi nationals not less than 18 years and not more than 23 years of age according to the Hijri calendar. The applicants must have a high school certificate with a grade no less than 80 percent, an aptitude test score of 70 percent and an achievement score of 65 percent. Applicants must also have a score of not less than 40 in the English language test (Step) of the National Center for Measurement. Furthermore, the academy requires candidates who apply for the fast track program in the fields airport safety, airport operation, alarm system, system operator and paramedic to be not more than 27 years of age according to the Hijri calendar and have an ILET score of 4.5. Those applying for the paramedic positions must have a one-year diploma after high school specializing in nursing and emergency medicine according to occupational classification card required by the health specialties authority. The certificate of registration and professional classification should be from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. The academy graduates will receive an accredited certificate in which they will be appointed in any of the GACA's sectors or companies operating under its umbrella. The Saudi Aviation Academy, which was founded in 1962, has effectively contributed to the Saudization of the aviation industry. It has also carried out a large number of short development courses, which benefited many employees in various aviation sectors, in addition to companies operating within the field. The academy obtained many awards, from esteemed organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). — SG
