Camilla had barely traveled by plane when she applied to be an AFIS officer. On a rainy day in September, we visit Camilla in the tower at Florø Airport. From the tower's slanted windows, Camilla has a view of the entire airport.
The rainy weather this September day sets the standard for what Camilla's workday will be like.
- We are all somewhat concerned with the weather, but here in air traffic service, it's the current weather that matters. We observe and provide information that is crucial for pilots to make a safe landing at the airport, explains Camilla.
As we speak with Camilla, she is called by the tanker truck driver who wishes to drive via the runway to the fire training area. This is something Camilla has to prepare and approve before the tanker truck is allowed to move across the runway.
- What makes the job as an AFIS officer so exciting is that I can sit in a tower in Florø and perform what is in my instructions, but another AFIS officer can follow the same instructions at Hasvik, but the job is different, due to, among other things, local weather phenomena and location, says Camilla.
“Before I applied for the AFIS officer position, I had never been in a tower before. It was quite by chance that I applied, but I was ready for a challenge! The qualifications suited me well. Additionally, there was a salary during training, which helped a lot.”
Avinor’s mission is: “Avinor shall develop and operate a safe, efficient, and sustainable aviation system throughout the country.” Camilla shares a story where this mission truly came to life.
“We were heading to a family reunion in Honningsvåg and had about 5–6 landings along the coast. It was absolutely amazing! Each airport had a different runway length, and the tower sizes varied. It’s so fun to think about how colleagues of mine are stationed that far north, and they always give us a warm welcome. It’s really exciting to think that, as an AFIS officer, I get to influence your journey.”
Several of Avinor’s airports have AFIS officers, and Camilla is especially happy working in Florø.
“I live here in Florø, and being part of the airport community where we work together to deliver the best possible product is what creates that sense of unity!”
Read more about the AFIS role, the education, and the entrance exam here!
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