EASA Committee votes ‘Yes’ for ATCO Licensing

Following the publication of the EASA Opinion No 11/2013 on the licensing and medical certification of air traffic controllers on 3 December 2013 the “EASA Committee” established by Article 65 (1) of Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 delivered a positive vote on the draft regulatory proposal. Awaiting the adoption by the Commission and publication, the rule is expected to become applicable on 30 June 2015.

This new Regulation aims to facilitate the mobility of air traffic controllers by reinforcing the common requirements purposed to ensure the recognition of licences at EU level. It contributes to the integration within the Functional Airspace Blocks by the establishment of common training standards for ATCO training organisations and by the recognition of their certificates. It also establishes the necessary synergies for aero-medical examiners and centres involved in the medical certification of pilots and air traffic controllers. Via these achievements it provides for cost-effectiveness and contributes to the reduction of regulatory tasks at national level. It ensures a smooth transition towards the truly harmonised qualification and training requirements by a flexible opt-out time frame, allowing Member States and stakeholders to gradually introduce the requirements and be fully aligned with the new system by 31 December 2016.

The European Aviation Safety Agency assisted the Commission throughout the discussions with the Member States’ representatives with a flexible approach towards the various stakeholder needs. The Agency welcomes the positive decision of the committee and declares its readiness to further assist Member States and stakeholders in the implementation towards the establishment of the Europe-wide uniform licensing scheme.