The sky's the limit for the Bermudian takeover of air traffic control.

Yesterday the first native Islanders to qualify for the high-stress role took over in the control tower and talked a passenger jet down to the runway.

Howard Viera, 30, and Jamie Sapsford, 37, underwent a rigorous selection procedure followed by an intensive four-month course at Bailbrook College, Bath, England, before passing with flying colours.

After the course -- which involved written exams on theory and the use of hi-tech simulators -- the two underwent on-the-job scrutiny for several weeks to see if they were up to the job in real life.

And Serco Aviation Services air operations service manager Richard Savard said the next two fully-qualified Bermudian controllers should be on station in January.

The use of Bermudian civilians in an air traffic role was caused by the pull-out of the US forces on the Island, who used to carry out civil as well as Naval air functions.

And Mr. Savard -- a former air traffic controller with the Royal Canadian Air Force -- said: "The Bermudians are definitely up to scratch.

"We feel very confident in our training programme and in the abilities of our people.'' And Mr. Savard's view has been backed by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority, who recently carried out an inspection at the Airport.

Mr. Savard said: "The audit by their air traffic control was most complimentary about the programme we have put in place here.'' Mr. Viera and Mr. Sapsford, both of Smith's Parish, were presented with their qualification certificates yesterday by Transport Minister Wayne Furbert.

Mr. Viera said: "I was a bit nervous the first time I took up a plane on my own licence, but the training gives you the confidence to do the job.

"I'm really looking forward to working here -- it's the real deal now.'' Mr.

Sapsford said: "It's no problem. We're geared up for it and we know what we have to do.'' Mr. Savard said the two new boys were the first of five selected for training from an original field of 80 to become fully qualified.

One -- who passed the English training course -- was released after failing the on-the-job practical testing and a replacement candidate will be sought in the near future.