ATCO.B.001 Student air traffic controller licence
Regulation (EU) 2023/893
(a) Holders of a student air traffic controller licence shall be authorised to provide air traffic control services in accordance with the rating(s) and rating endorsement(s) contained in their licence under the supervision of an on-the-job training instructor and to undertake training for rating endorsement(s).
(b) Applicants for the issue of a student air traffic controller licence shall:
(1) be at least 18 years old;
(2) have successfully completed initial training at a training organisation satisfying the requirements laid down in Annex III (Part ATCO.OR) relevant to the rating, and if applicable, to the rating endorsement, as set out in Part ATCO, Subpart D, Section 2;
(3) hold a valid medical certificate;
(4) have demonstrated an adequate level of language proficiency in accordance with the requirements set out in ATCO.B.030.
(c) The student air traffic controller licence shall contain the language endorsement(s) and at least one rating and, if applicable, one rating endorsement.
(d) The holder of a student air traffic controller licence who has not started exercising the privileges of that licence within one year from the date of its issue or has interrupted exercising those privileges for a period of more than one year may only start or continue unit training in that rating after an assessment of his/her previous competence, conducted by a training organisation satisfying the requirements laid down in Annex III (Part ATCO.OR) and certified to provide initial training relevant to the rating, as to whether he/she continues to satisfy the requirements relevant to that rating, and after satisfying any training requirements resulting from this assessment.
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - Regulation (EU) 2015/340]
(a) Holders of a student air traffic controller licence shall be authorised to provide air traffic control services in accordance with the rating(s) and rating endorsement(s) contained in their licence under the supervision of an on-the-job training instructor, and to undertake training for additional rating endorsement(s) and unit endorsement(s).
(b) Applicants for a student air traffic controller licence shall:
(1) be at least 18 years old;
(2) within the 12 months preceding the application, have successfully completed initial training at a training organisation satisfying the requirements laid down in Annex III (Part ATCO.OR) relevant to the rating, and if applicable, to the rating endorsement, as set out in Part ATCO, Subpart D, Section 2;
(3) hold a valid medical certificate;
(4) have demonstrated an adequate level of language proficiency in accordance with the requirements set out in point ATCO.B.030.
(c) The student air traffic controller licence shall contain the language proficiency endorsement(s) and at least one rating and, if applicable, one rating endorsement.
(d) The holder of a student air traffic controller licence who has not started exercising the privileges of that licence within 1 year from the date of its issuance or has interrupted exercising those privileges for a period of more than 1 year may only start or continue on-the-job training in that rating:
(1) if a training organisation satisfying the requirements laid down in Annex III (Part ATCO.OR) and certified to provide initial training relevant to the rating has conducted an assessment of previous competence as to whether the holder of a student air traffic controller licence continues to satisfy the requirements relevant to that rating, and
(2) after satisfying any training requirements resulting from the assessment referred to point (d)(1) above.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/893]
GM1 ATCO.B.001(a);(d) Student air traffic controller licence
ED Decision 2023/011/R
PRIVILEGES OF A STUDENT AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER LICENCE
The privileges of a student air traffic controller licence are exercised when providing air traffic control services in live traffic under the supervision of an on-the-job training instructor. A student air traffic controller licence is required for on-the-job training and not necessarily for the transitional and pre-on-the-job phases of unit training.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]
GM1 ATCO.B.001(b) Student air traffic controller licence
ED Decision 2015/010/R
MATURITY OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS
Persons who wish to undertake air traffic controller training at a training organisation satisfying the requirements laid down in Annex III (Part ATCO.OR) should be educationally, physically and mentally sufficiently mature. In order to assess their ability to complete air traffic controller training, training organisations may conduct aptitude assessments and/or set out educational or similar requirements which could serve as a prerequisite for commencing air traffic controller training.
AMC1 ATCO.B.001(d) Student air traffic controller licence
ED Decision 2015/010/R
ASSESSMENT OF PREVIOUS COMPETENCE
When establishing previous competence in a rating, the assessment should be based on the requirements set out in Part ATCO, Subpart D, Section 2.
GM1 ATCO.B.001(d) Student air traffic controller licence
ED Decision 2023/011/R
ASSESSMENT OF PREVIOUS COMPETENCE
The assessment of previous competence includes an assessment of the practical skills demonstrated by the person being assessed as well as an examination of the person’s knowledge and understanding.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]
ATCO.B.005 Air traffic controller licence
Regulation (EU) 2023/893
(a) Holders of an air traffic controller licence shall be authorised to provide air traffic control services in accordance with the ratings and rating endorsements of their licence, and to exercise the privileges of the endorsements contained therein.
(b) The privileges of an air traffic controller licence shall include the privileges of a student air traffic controller licence as set out in ATCO.B.001(a).
(c) Applicants for the first issue of an air traffic controller licence shall:
(1) hold a student air traffic controller licence;
(2) have completed a unit endorsement course and successfully passed the appropriate examinations and assessments in accordance with the requirements set out in Part ATCO, Subpart D, Section 3;
(3) hold a valid medical certificate;
(4) have demonstrated an adequate level of language proficiency in accordance with the requirements set out in ATCO.B.030.
(d) The air traffic controller licence shall be validated by the inclusion of one or more ratings and the relevant rating, unit and language proficiency endorsements for which the training was successful.
(e) The holder of an air traffic controller licence who has not started exercising the privileges of any rating within one year from the date of its issue may only start unit training in that rating after an assessment of his/her previous competence, conducted by a training organisation satisfying the requirements laid down in Annex III (Part ATCO.OR) and certified to provide initial training relevant to the rating, as to whether he/she continues to satisfy the requirements relevant to that rating, and after satisfying any training requirements resulting from this assessment.
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - Regulation (EU) 2015/340]
The holder of an air traffic controller licence who has not started exercising the privileges of a rating within 1 year from the date of its issuance may only start on-the-job training in that rating:
(1) if a training organisation satisfying the requirements laid down in Annex III (Part ATCO.OR) and certified to provide initial training relevant to the rating has conducted an assessment of previous competence as to whether the previous competence of the holder of an air traffic controller licence continues to satisfy the requirements relevant to that rating, and
(2) after satisfying any training requirements resulting from the assessment referred to in point (e)(1) above.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/893]
GM1 ATCO.B.005(e) Air traffic controller licence
ED Decision 2023/011/R
ASSESSMENT OF PREVIOUS COMPETENCE
The assessment of previous competence includes an assessment of the practical skills demonstrated by the person being assessed as well as an examination of the person’s knowledge and understanding.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]
ATCO.B.010 Air traffic controller ratings
Regulation (EU) 2023/893
(a) Licences shall contain one or more of the following ratings in order to indicate the type of service which the licence holder is authorised to provide:
(1) the Aerodrome Control Visual (ADV) rating, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide an air traffic control service to aerodrome traffic at an aerodrome that has no published instrument approach or departure procedures;
(2) the Aerodrome Control Instrument (ADI) rating, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide an air traffic control service to aerodrome traffic at an aerodrome that has published instrument approach or departure procedures and shall be accompanied by at least one of the rating endorsements described in ATCO.B.015(a);
(3) the Approach Control Procedural (APP) rating, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide an air traffic control service to arriving, departing or transiting aircraft without the use of surveillance equipment;
(4) the Approach Control Surveillance (APS) rating, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide an air traffic control service to arriving, departing or transiting aircraft with the use of surveillance equipment;
(5) the Area Control Procedural (ACP) rating, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide an air traffic control service to aircraft without the use of surveillance equipment;
(6) the Area Control Surveillance (ACS) rating, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide an air traffic control service to aircraft with the use of surveillance equipment.
(b) The holder of a rating who has interrupted exercising the privileges associated with that rating for a period of four or more immediately preceding consecutive years may only start unit training in that rating after assessment of previous competence, conducted by a training organisation satisfying the requirements laid down in Annex III (Part ATCO.OR) and certified to provide training relevant to the rating, as to whether the person concerned continues to satisfy the conditions of that rating, and after satisfying any training requirements resulting from this assessment.
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - Regulation (EU) 2015/340]
(a) Licences shall contain one or more of the following ratings in order to indicate the type of service which the licence holder is authorised to provide:
(1) the Aerodrome Control (ADC) rating, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide an air traffic control service to aerodrome traffic;
(2) the Approach Control Procedural (APP) rating, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide an air traffic control service to arriving, departing or transiting aircraft without the use of surveillance equipment;
(3) the Approach Control Surveillance (APS) rating, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide an air traffic control service to arriving, departing or transiting aircraft with the use of surveillance equipment;
(4) the Area Control Procedural (ACP) rating, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide an air traffic control service to aircraft without the use of surveillance equipment;
(5) the Area Control Surveillance (ACS) rating, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide an air traffic control service to aircraft with the use of surveillance equipment.
(b) The holder of a rating who has interrupted exercising the privileges associated with that rating for a period of 4 or more immediately preceding consecutive years may only start on-the-job training in that rating:
(1) if a training organisation satisfying the requirements laid down in Annex III (Part ATCO.OR) and certified to provide training relevant to the rating, has conducted an assessment of previous competence as to whether that the holder of a rating continues to satisfy the conditions of that rating, and;
(2) after satisfying any training requirements resulting from the assessment referred to in point (b)(1) above.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/893]
AMC1 ATCO.B.010(a)(2);(3) Air traffic controller ratings
ED Decision 2023/011/R
SURVEILLANCE FALLBACK AND CONTINGENCY MEASURES
The approach control procedural (APP) rating is not required for approach control surveillance (APS) rating holders when applying surveillance fallback and contingency measures. However, with reference to points ATCO.D.045(c)(3) and ATCO.D.080(b)(2), specific training related to surveillance fallback and contingency procedures should be included in the unit and refresher training to prepare air traffic controllers to deal with such situations.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]
AMC1 ATCO.B.010(a)(4);(5) Air traffic controller ratings
ED Decision 2023/011/R
SURVEILLANCE FALLBACK AND CONTINGENCY MEASURES
The area control procedural (ACP) rating is not required for area control surveillance (ACS) rating holders when applying surveillance fallback and contingency measures. However, with reference to points ATCO.D.045(c)(3) and ATCO.D.080(b)(2), specific training related to surveillance fallback and contingency procedures should be included in the unit and refresher training to prepare air traffic controllers to deal with such situations.
If contingency plans also include procedures for service continuity by means of providing procedural air traffic control services, a procedural rating should be held and maintained.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]
AMC1 ATCO.B.010(b) Air traffic controller ratings
ED Decision 2015/010/R
ASSESSMENT OF PREVIOUS COMPETENCE
When establishing previous competence in a rating, the assessment should be based on the requirements set out in Part ATCO, Subpart D, Section 2.
GM1 ATCO.B.010(b) Air traffic controller ratings
ED Decision 2023/011/R
ASSESSMENT OF PREVIOUS COMPETENCE
The assessment of previous competence includes an assessment of the practical skills demonstrated by the person being assessed as well as an examination of the person’s knowledge and understanding.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]
ATCO.B.015 Rating endorsements
Regulation (EU) 2023/893
(a) The Aerodrome Control Instrument (ADI) rating shall bear at least one of the following endorsements:
(1) the Air Control (AIR) endorsement, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide air control to traffic flying in the vicinity of an aerodrome and on the runway;
(2) the Ground Movement Control (GMC) endorsement, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide ground movement control;
(3) the Tower Control (TWR) endorsement, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide aerodrome control service. The TWR endorsement includes the privileges of the AIR and GMC endorsements;
(4) the Ground Movement Surveillance (GMS) endorsement, granted in addition to the Ground Movement Control endorsement or Tower Control endorsement, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide ground movement control with the help of aerodrome surface movement guidance systems;
(5) the Aerodrome Radar Control (RAD) endorsement, granted in addition to the Air Control endorsement or Tower Control endorsement, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide aerodrome control with the help of surveillance radar equipment.
(b) The Approach Control Surveillance (APS) rating may bear one or more of the following endorsements:
(1) the Precision Approach Radar (PAR) endorsement, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide ground-controlled precision approaches with the use of precision approach radar equipment to aircraft on the final approach to the runway;
(2) the Surveillance Radar Approach (SRA) endorsement, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide ground-controlled non-precision approaches with the use of surveillance equipment to aircraft on the final approach to the runway;
(3) the Terminal Control (TCL) endorsement, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide air traffic control services with the use of any surveillance equipment to aircraft operating in a specified terminal area and/or adjacent sectors.
(c) The Area Control Procedural (ACP) rating may bear the Oceanic Control (OCN) endorsement, indicating that the holder of the licence is competent to provide air traffic control services to aircraft operating in an Oceanic Control Area.
(d) The Area Control Surveillance (ACS) rating may bear one of the following endorsements:
(1) the Terminal Control (TCL) endorsement, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide air traffic control services with the use of any surveillance equipment to aircraft operating in a specified terminal area and/or adjacent sectors;
(2) the Oceanic Control (OCN) endorsement, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide air traffic control services to aircraft operating in an Oceanic Control Area.
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - Regulation (EU) 2015/340]
(a) The Aerodrome Control (ADC) rating may bear the Aerodrome Control Surveillance (SUR) endorsement, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide aerodrome control with the help of surveillance systems.
(b) The Approach Control Surveillance (APS) rating may bear one or more of the following endorsements:
(1) the Precision Approach Radar (PAR) endorsement, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide ground-controlled precision approaches with the use of precision approach radar equipment to aircraft on the final approach to the runway;
(2) the Surveillance Radar Approach (SRA) endorsement, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide ground-controlled non-precision approaches with the use of surveillance equipment to aircraft on the final approach to the runway.
(c) The Area Control Procedural (ACP) rating may bear the Oceanic Control (OCN) endorsement, indicating that the holder of the licence is competent to provide air traffic control services to aircraft operating in an Oceanic Control Area.
(d) The Area Control Surveillance (ACS) rating may bear the OCN endorsement, indicating that the licence holder is competent to provide air traffic control services to aircraft operating in an Oceanic Control Area.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/893]
AMC1 ATCO.B.015(a) Air traffic controller rating endorsements
ED Decision 2023/011/R
AERODROME CONTROL SURVEILANCE (SUR) ENDORSEMENT PRIVILEGES
The SUR endorsement indicates that the holder has the skills to use ATS surveillance systems for the provision of aerodrome control service for the functions described in point ATS.TR.155(a) of Annex IV to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/37316Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/373 of 1 March 2017 laying down common requirements for providers of air traffic management/air navigation services and other air traffic management network functions and their oversight, repealing Regulation (EC) No 482/2008, Implementing Regulations (EU) No 1034/2011, (EU) No 1035/2011 and (EU) 2016/1377 and amending Regulation (EU) No 677/2011 (OJ L 62, 8.3.2017, p. 1)., and in the related point (c) of AMC1 ATS.TR.155(a).
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]
GM1 ATCO.B.015(a)(3) Air traffic controller rating endorsements
ED Decision 2023/011/R
TOWER CONTROL ENDORSEMENT PRIVILEGES
Where aerodrome control is provided from one operational position, this shall be indicated in the ATC licence by the issue of a Tower Control (TWR) endorsement to the Aerodrome Control Instrument rating. Aerodrome control may either be one operational position or be divided between two operational positions, Ground Movement Control (GMC) and Air Control (AIR). Consequently, the TWR endorsement entitles the holder of that rating endorsement to either provide aerodrome control from one working position or to provide AIR or GMC separately.
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2015/010/R]
Regulation (EU) 2023/893
(a) The unit endorsement shall authorise the licence holder to provide air traffic control services for a specific sector, group of sectors and/or working positions under the responsibility of an air traffic services unit.
(b) Applicants for a unit endorsement shall have successfully completed a unit endorsement course in accordance with the requirements set out in Part ATCO, Subpart D, Section 3.
(c) Applicants for a unit endorsement following an exchange of a licence referred to in ATCO.A.010 shall, in addition to the requirements set out in point (b), meet the requirements of ATCO.D.060(f).
(d) For air traffic controllers providing air traffic control services to aircraft carrying out flight tests, the competent authority may, in addition to the requirements set out in point (b), set out additional requirements to be met.
(e) Unit endorsements shall be valid for a period defined in the unit competence scheme. This period shall not exceed three years.
(f) The validity period of unit endorsements for initial issue and renewal shall start not later than 30 days from the date on which the assessment has been successfully completed.
(g) Unit endorsements shall be revalidated if:
(1) the applicant has been exercising the privileges of the licence for a minimum number of hours as defined in the unit competence scheme;
(2) the applicant has undertaken refresher training within the validity period of the unit endorsement according to the unit competence scheme;
(3) the applicant's competence has been assessed in accordance with the unit competence scheme not earlier than three months prior to the expiry date of the unit endorsement.
(h) Unit endorsements shall be revalidated, provided that the requirements set out in point (g) are met, within the 3-month period immediately preceding their expiry date. In such cases the validity period shall be counted from that expiry date.
(i) If the unit endorsement is revalidated before the period provided for in point (h), its validity period shall start not later than 30 days from the date on which the assessment has been successfully completed, provided that the requirements in point (g)(1) and (2) are also met.
(j) If the validity of a unit endorsement expires, the licence holder shall successfully complete the unit endorsement course in accordance with the requirements set out in Part ATCO, Subpart D, Section 3 in order to renew the endorsement.
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - Regulation (EU) 2015/340]
(a) The unit endorsement shall authorise the licence holder to provide air traffic control services for a specific sector, group of sectors and/or working positions under the responsibility of an air traffic services unit.
(b) Applicants for a unit endorsement shall have successfully completed a unit endorsement course in accordance with the requirements set out in Part ATCO, Subpart D, Section 3.
(c) As an exception to point (b), the on-the-job training phase in Part ATCO, Subpart D, Section 3 may not be required when the unit endorsement is issued in connection with the issue of a temporary OJTI authorisation for the same unit.
(d) Limitations on the exercise of the privileges of the Aerodrome Control (ADC) rating shall be indicated in the unit endorsement.
(e) Applicants for a unit endorsement changing their competent authority as referred to in point ATCO.A.010 shall, in addition to the requirements set out in point ATCO.B.020(b), meet the requirements of point ATCO.D.060(f).
(f) For air traffic controllers providing air traffic control services to aircraft carrying out flight tests, the competent authority may, in addition to the requirements set out in point (b), set out additional requirements to be met.
(g) Unit endorsements shall be valid for a period defined in the unit competence scheme. This period shall not exceed 3 years.
(h) The validity period of unit endorsements for initial issue and renewal shall start not later than 30 days from the date on which the assessment has been successfully completed.
(i) Unit endorsements shall be revalidated if:
(1) the applicant has been exercising the privileges of the licence for a minimum number of hours as defined in the unit competence scheme;
(2) the applicant has undertaken refresher training within the validity period of the unit endorsement according to the unit competence scheme;
(3) the applicant’s competence has been assessed in accordance with the unit competence scheme not earlier than 3 months prior to the expiry date of the unit endorsement.
(j) Unit endorsements shall be revalidated provided that the requirements set out in point (i) are met within the 3-month period immediately preceding their expiry date. In such cases, the validity period shall be counted from that expiry date.
(k) If the unit endorsement is revalidated before the period provided for in point (j), its validity period shall start not later than 30 days from the date on which the assessment has been successfully completed, provided that the requirements in point (i)(1) and (2) are also met.
(l) If the validity of a unit endorsement expires, the licence holder shall successfully complete the unit endorsement course in accordance with the requirements set out in Part ATCO, Subpart D, Section 3 in order to renew the endorsement.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/893]
AMC1 ATCO.B.020(a) Unit endorsements
ED Decision 2019/004/R
GENERAL
When aerodrome control service is provided from a ‘remote tower’ (defined in EASA ‘Guidance Material on remote aerodrome air traffic services’ — Issue 217 See Annex I to ED Decision 2019/004/R.), each aerodrome for which the service is provided should constitute its own unit endorsement.
GM1 to AMC1 ATCO.B.020(a) Unit endorsements
ED Decision 2019/004/R
There might be cases where, for a given aerodrome, air traffic control service is provided from a ‘conventional tower’ (defined in EASA ‘Guidance Material on remote aerodrome air traffic services’ — Issue 2) during certain time periods and from a ‘remote tower’ (defined in the EASA ‘Guidance Material on remote aerodrome air traffic services’ — Issue 2) at other times. In such cases, the unit endorsement(s) should indicate the working position(s) (conventional and/or remote tower) from which the licence holder is authorised to provide the service.
NOTE: This does not refer to contingency arrangements/contingency facilities, as the related training and use are deemed to be covered by any unit endorsement. When this is done on a temporary basis for shorter/limited time periods, e.g. during a validation or for transitional purposes, different unit endorsements for conventional and remote tower may not be considered necessary.
GM1 ATCO.B.020(c) Unit endorsements
ED Decision 2023/011/R
It is recognised that the completion of a unit endorsement course in accordance with the requirements set out in Section 3 of Subpart D of Part ATCO as regards the on-the-job training (OJT) phase may not be possible in cases where a new ATC unit or sector is established, a new rating or rating endorsement is established at an ATC unit, or when a temporary ATC unit reopens.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]
AMC1 ATCO.B.020(d) Unit endorsements
ED Decision 2023/011/R
LIMITATION IN RELATION TO THE EXERCISE OF THE AERODROME CONTROL RATING PRIVILEGES
If a unit endorsement course contains operational procedures only for air control or ground control, the unit endorsement should reflect the limitation in relation to the rating privileges.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]
AMC1 ATCO.B.020(e) Unit endorsements
ED Decision 2023/011/R
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2015/010/R]
AMC1 ATCO.B.020(g) Unit endorsements
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]
VALIDITY OF THE UNIT ENDORSEMENT
When establishing the validity of a unit endorsement, the specificities of the unit and seasonal variations should be taken into account.
Appropriate means should be in place to monitor the competence of the air traffic controllers. The means should be proportionate to the validity time.
If the proposed validity time of the unit endorsement exceeds 12 months, additional means should be in place to monitor and ensure the continuous competence of the air traffic controllers.
If the ATC unit is proposing to increase the validity time of the unit endorsement, a safety assessment should be conducted. The safety assessment may cover several units.
AMC1 ATCO.B.020(g)(3) Unit endorsements
ED Decision 2023/011/R
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2015/010/R]
AMC1 ATCO.B.020(i)(3) Unit endorsements
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]
PRACTICAL SKILLS ASSESSMENT FOR REVALIDATION OF EACH UNIT ENDORSEMENT
(a) If the assessment of practical skills is taking the form of a dedicated assessment consisting of a single assessment or a series of assessments, the last assessment declaring the licence holder competent should take place within the three-month period immediately preceding the unit endorsement expiry date.
(b) If the assessment of practical skills is taking the form of a continuous assessment by which the air traffic controller’s competence is assessed along a defined period of time, the formal conclusion on declaring the licence holder competent should take place within the three-month period immediately preceding the unit endorsement expiry date.
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2015/010/R]
PRACTICAL SKILLS ASSESSMENT FOR THE REVALIDATION OF EACH UNIT ENDORSEMENT
(a) If the assessment of practical skills is taking the form of a dedicated assessment consisting of a single assessment or a series of assessments, the last assessment declaring the licence holder competent should take place within the 3-month period immediately preceding the unit endorsement expiry date.
(b) If the assessment of practical skills is taking the form of a continuous assessment by which the air traffic controller’s competence is assessed along a defined period of time, the end of that defined period and the formal conclusion on declaring the licence holder competent should take place within the 3-month period immediately preceding the unit endorsement expiry date.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]
GM1 ATCO.B.020(i) Unit endorsements
ED Decision 2023/011/R
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2015/010/R]
GM1 ATCO.B.020(k) Unit endorsements
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]
COMMENCEMENT OF UNIT ENDORSEMENT VALIDITY IN CASE OF EARLY REVALIDATION
For the purpose of establishing the validity period of the unit endorsement in case of early revalidation, the date of the assessment should be the date of the:
(a) last assessment declaring the licence holder competent in case of a dedicated assessment; and
(b) formal conclusion of declaring the licence holder competent in case of continuous assessment.
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2015/010/R]
COMMENCEMENT OF THE UNIT ENDORSEMENT VALIDITY IN CASE OF EARLY REVALIDATION
For the purpose of establishing the validity period of the unit endorsement in case of early revalidation, the date of the assessment should be the date of the:
(a) last assessment declaring the licence holder competent in case of a dedicated assessment; and
(b) formal conclusion of declaring the licence holder competent in case of continuous assessment, provided that the formal conclusion takes place immediately after the period during which the air traffic controller’s competence has been assessed.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]
ATCO.B.025 Unit competence scheme
Regulation (EU) 2023/893
(a) Unit competence schemes shall be established by the air navigation service provider and approved by the competent authority. It shall include at least the following elements:
(1) the validity of the unit endorsement in accordance with ATCO.B.020(e);
(2) the maximum continuous period when the privileges of a unit endorsement are not exercised during its validity. This period shall not exceed 90 calendar days;
(3) the minimum number of hours for exercising the privileges of the unit endorsement within a defined period of time, which shall not exceed 12 months, for the purpose of ATCO.B.020(g)(1). For on-the-job training instructors exercising the privileges of the OJTI endorsement the time spent instructing shall be counted for the maximum of 50 % of the hours required for revalidation of the unit endorsement.
(4) procedures for the cases where the licence holder does not meet the requirements set out in point (a)(2) and (3);
(5) processes for assessing competence, including assessment of the refresher training subjects according to ATCO.D.080(b);
(6) processes for the examination of theoretical knowledge and understanding necessary to exercise privileges of the ratings and endorsements;
(7) processes to identify the topics and subtopics, objectives and training methods for continuation training;
(8) the minimum duration and frequency of the refresher training;
(9) processes for the examination of theoretical knowledge and/or the assessment of practical skills acquired during conversion training, including pass marks for examinations;
(10) processes in case of failure of an examination or assessment, including the appeal processes;
(11) training personnel qualifications, roles and responsibilities;
(12) procedure to ensure that practical instructors have practised instructional techniques in the procedures in which it is intended to provide instruction in accordance with ATCO.C.010(b)(3) and ATCO.C.030(b)(3);
(13) procedures for the declaration and the management of cases of provisional inability to exercise the privileges of a licence, as well as for informing the competent authority in accordance with ATCO.A.015(d);
(14) identification of records to be kept specific to continuation training and assessments, in accordance with ATCO.AR.B.015;
(15) process and reasons for reviewing and amending the unit competence scheme and its submission to the competent authority. The review of the unit competence scheme shall take place at least once every three years.
(b) In order to comply with the requirement set out in point (a)(3), air navigation service providers shall keep records of the hours, during which each licence holder exercises the privileges of his/her unit endorsement working in sectors, group of sectors and/or working positions in the ATC unit and shall provide that data to the competent authorities and to the licence holder upon request.
(c) When establishing the procedures referred to in point (a)(4) and (13) air navigation service providers shall ensure that mechanisms are applied to guarantee fair treatment of licence holders where the validity of their endorsements cannot be extended.
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - Regulation (EU) 2015/340]
(a) Unit competence scheme(s) shall be established by the air navigation service provider and approved by the competent authority. A unit competence scheme shall include at least the following elements:
(1) the validity of the unit endorsement(s) in accordance with point ATCO.B.020(g);
(2) the maximum continuous period when the privileges of a unit endorsement are not exercised during its validity. This period shall not exceed 90 calendar days;
(3) the minimum number of hours or, in the case of SRA and PAR rating endorsements, the minimum number of approaches, for exercising the privileges of the unit endorsement within a defined period of time, which shall not exceed 12 months, for the purpose of point ATCO.B.020(i)(1). For on-the-job training instructors exercising the privileges of the OJTI endorsement, the time spent instructing shall be counted for the maximum of 50 % of the hours required for revalidation of the unit endorsement;
(4) procedures for the cases where the licence holder does not meet the requirements set out in points (a)(2) and (3);
(5) processes for assessing competence, including assessment of the refresher training subjects according to point ATCO.D.080(b);
(6) processes for the examination of theoretical knowledge and understanding necessary to exercise the privileges of the ratings and endorsements;
(7) processes to identify the topics and subtopics, objectives and training methods for continuation training;
(8) the minimum duration and frequency of the refresher training;
(9) processes for the examination of theoretical knowledge and/or the assessment of practical skills acquired during conversion training, including pass marks for examinations;
(10) processes in case of failure of an examination or assessment, including the appeal processes;
(11) training personnel qualifications, roles and responsibilities;
(12) a procedure to ensure that practical instructors have practised instructional techniques in the procedures in which instruction is provided in accordance with point ATCO.C.010(b)(3) and point ATCO.C.030(b)(3);
(13) procedures for the declaration and the management of cases of provisional inability to exercise the privileges of a licence, as well as for informing the competent authority in accordance with point ATCO.A.015(e);
(14) identification of records to be kept specific to continuation training and assessments, in accordance with point ATCO.OR.C.020;
(15) a process and reasons for reviewing and amending the unit competence scheme and its submission to the competent authority. The review of the unit competence scheme shall take place at least once every 3 years.
(b) In order to comply with the requirement set out in point (a)(3), air navigation service providers shall keep records of the hours during which each licence holder exercises the privileges of his or her unit endorsement(s) working in sectors, group of sectors and/or working positions in the ATC unit, and shall provide that data to the competent authorities and to the licence holder upon request.
(c) When establishing the procedures referred to in points (a)(4) and (a)(13), air navigation service providers shall ensure that mechanisms are applied to guarantee fair treatment of licence holders where the validity of their endorsements cannot be extended.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/893]
GM1 ATCO.B.025(a)(3) Unit competence scheme
ED Decision 2023/011/R
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2015/010/R]
AMC1 ATCO.B.025(a)(3) Unit competence scheme
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]
MINIMUM NUMBER OF HOURS
The minimum number of hours should be defined for each unit endorsement and it should be identical for each unit endorsement holder within the same unit.
For licence holders holding more than one unit endorsement in the same ATC unit, the minimum number of hours may be defined as a combined value based on the assessment provided by the air navigation service provider.
Nevertheless, maintaining competence should be appropriately ensured for all valid unit endorsements.
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2015/010/R]
MINIMUM NUMBER OF HOURS
The minimum number of hours should be defined for each unit endorsement associated to a rating, and it should be identical for each unit endorsement holder within the same unit.
For licence holders holding more than one unit endorsement in the same ATC unit, the minimum number of hours may be defined as a combined value based on the assessment provided by the air navigation service provider.
Nevertheless, maintaining competence should be appropriately ensured for all valid unit endorsements, as well as for all sectors and/or working positions covered by a unit endorsement.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]
AMC1 ATCO.B.025(a)(5);(6) Unit competence scheme
ED Decision 2015/010/R
PROCESSES FOR ASSESSING COMPETENCE AND EXAMINING THEORETICAL KNOWLEGDE AND UNDERSTANDING
(a) The practical performance and skills should be assessed in live traffic situations.
(b) Theoretical competence should be examined to ascertain the knowledge and understanding of air traffic controllers.
(c) Subjects taught during refresher training such as standard practices and procedures, abnormal and emergency situations and human factors should be assessed on STD or in other simulated environments and/or examined.
GM1 ATCO.B.025(a)(5) Unit competence scheme
ED Decision 2015/010/R
ASSESSMENTS
(a) Assessments may have one or more components.
(b) One component should be the assessment of practical skills; other components may be oral and/or written examinations.
(c) Practical skills assessments should be conducted as continuous assessment or dedicated practical assessment(s).
(d) Continuous assessment
Continuous assessment should be achieved by the assessor assessing, during normal operational duties, the operational performance compared to the standard of the air traffic control service expected.
Where the assessor has not been able to adequately assess the air traffic controller by continuous assessment, he/she should not certify the air traffic controller’s competence until a dedicated practical assessment has been conducted.
(e) Dedicated practical assessment
A dedicated practical assessment may consist of a single assessment or a series of assessments.
To conduct a dedicated practical assessment, the assessor(s) should sit with the air traffic controller with the purpose of assessing, under normal operational conditions, the operational performance compared to the standard of the air traffic control service expected.
The air traffic controller concerned should be advised that a dedicated practical assessment is to be conducted and be briefed on the conduct of the assessment.
For those situations where an applicant’s performance cannot be observed at the time of the assessment (e.g. low visibility operations, snow clearing, military activity, etc.), the assessment may be supplemented by synthetic training device sessions and/or an oral examination.
(f) The performance objectives’ topics to be assessed should be determined in detail by the air navigation service provider. Examples of performance objectives’ topics are as follows:
— application of unit regulations and procedures (e.g. minimum separation standards, letters of agreement, Aeronautical Information Publications);
— traffic analysis and planning;
— task priority setting;
— communication, including phraseology;
— capacity and expedition;
— accuracy;
— initiative, adaptability and decision-making;
— air traffic control techniques;
— teamwork and other human factors skills;
— the level of risk associated with the tasks performed (e.g. attitudes to risk).
(g) Procedures when failing
Notwithstanding ATCO.B.025(a)(10), when an air traffic controller fails in one or more of the components of the assessment, he/she should not be allowed to exercise the privilege of this unit endorsement, and provisional inability in accordance with ATCO.A.015(b) may be declared until a successful competence assessment has been performed. Resitting the full competence assessment or the failed part only may be required.
(h) Record keeping
The results of all assessments, including those of the continuous assessment, and examinations should be documented and stored confidentially, accessible to the assessor and the person being assessed.
GM2 ATCO.B.025(a)(5) Unit competence scheme
ED Decision 2015/010/R
ASSESSMENTS
Assessments should be adapted to the validity time of the unit endorsement of the ATC unit.
The assessment of air traffic controllers at ATC units with seasonal variations should reflect the higher volume and complexity situations.
GM3 ATCO.B.025(a)(5) Unit competence scheme
ED Decision 2015/010/R
ASSESSMENTS OF REFRESHER TRAINING SUBJECTS
(a) Assessments should be conducted primarily on a synthetic training device or offline environments.
(b) Assessments should be conducted by appropriately qualified personnel having detailed knowledge of:
(1) the training objectives; and
(2) the subjects, topics and subtopics being examined or assessed.
GM1 ATCO.B.025(a)(6) Unit competence scheme
ED Decision 2015/010/R
ORAL EXAMINATIONS
Oral examinations should be used to test understanding of applicable techniques and the rules governing them, particularly of unit and national air traffic control procedures. Scenario-type questioning allows the assessor to gather additional evidence of how an air traffic controller would react in circumstances that are not observable but are nevertheless considered important to the overall operation at that ATC unit.
The oral examination should give a clear indication that the air traffic controller knows not only what he/she should be doing, but why he/she should be doing it. The oral examination requires considerable skills and it should be undertaken in a way to ensure consistency among individual assessors.
GM1 ATCO.B.025(a)(9) Unit competence scheme
ED Decision 2015/010/R
EXAMINATIONS AND ASSESSMENTS DURING CONVERSION TRAINING
(a) Assessments should be conducted primarily on a synthetic training device or offline environments.
(b) Examinations and assessments should be conducted by appropriately qualified personnel having detailed knowledge of:
(1) the training objectives; and
(2) the subjects, topics and subtopics being examined or assessed.
ATCO.B.030 Language proficiency endorsement
Regulation (EU) 2015/340
(a) Air traffic controllers and student air traffic controllers shall not exercise the privileges of their licences unless they have a valid language proficiency endorsement in English and, if applicable, in the language(s) imposed by the Member State for reasons of safety at the ATC unit as published in the Aeronautical Information Publications. The language proficiency endorsement shall indicate the language(s), the level(s) of proficiency and the expiry date(s).
(b) The language proficiency level shall be determined in accordance with the rating scale set out in Appendix 1 of Annex I.
(c) The applicant for any language proficiency endorsement shall demonstrate, in accordance with the rating scale referred to in point (b), at least an operational level (level four) of language proficiency.
To do so, the applicant shall:
(1) communicate effectively in voice only (telephone/radiotelephone) and in face-to-face situations;
(2) communicate on common, concrete and work-related topics with accuracy and clarity;
(3) use appropriate communicative strategies to exchange messages and to recognise and resolve misunderstandings in a general or work-related context;
(4) handle successfully and with relative ease the linguistic challenges presented by a complication or unexpected turn of events that occur within the context of a routine work situation or communicative task with which they are otherwise familiar; and
(5) use a dialect or accent which is intelligible to the aeronautical community.
(d) Notwithstanding point (c), extended level (level five) of the language proficiency rating scale set out in Appendix 1 of Annex I may be required by the air navigation service provider, where the operational circumstances of the particular rating or endorsement warrant a higher level of language proficiency for imperative reasons of safety. Such a requirement shall be non-discriminatory, proportionate, transparent, and objectively justified by the air navigation service provider wishing to apply the higher level of proficiency and shall be approved by the competent authority.
(e) Language proficiency shall be demonstrated by a certificate attesting the result of the assessment.
ATCO.B.035 Validity of language proficiency endorsement
Regulation (EU) 2015/340
(a) The validity of the language proficiency endorsement, depending on the level determined in accordance with Appendix 1 of Annex I, shall be:
(1) for operational level (level four), three years from the date of assessment; or
(2) for extended level (level five), six years from the date of assessment;
(3) for expert level (level six):
(i) nine years from the date of assessment, for the English language;
(ii) unlimited, for any other language(s) referred to in ATCO.B.030(a).
(b) The validity period of the language proficiency endorsements for initial issue and renewal shall start not later than 30 days from the date on which the language proficiency assessment has been successfully completed.
(c) Language proficiency endorsements shall be revalidated following successful completion of the language proficiency assessment taking place within three months immediately preceding their expiry date. In such cases the new validity period shall be counted from that expiry date.
(d) If the language proficiency endorsement is revalidated before the period provided for in point (c), its validity period shall start not later than 30 days from the date on which the language proficiency assessment has been successfully completed.
(e) When the validity of a language proficiency endorsement expires, the licence holder shall successfully complete a language proficiency assessment in order to have his/her endorsement renewed.
AMC1 ATCO.B.035(a)(3)(i) Validity of language proficiency endorsement
ED Decision 2023/011/R
VALIDITY OF THE LANGUAGE ENDORSEMENT OF PROFICIENCY LEVEL 6 IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE
When replacing the licences according to Article 8(1) of Regulation (EU) 2015/340, the validity period for the expert level (level six) language proficiency endorsements shall be introduced into the new licence.
The nine-year validity period for an expert level (level six) language proficiency endorsement in English should be counted from the date of the issue of the new licence or from the date of the assessment.
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2015/010/R]
ATCO.B.040 Assessment of language proficiency
Regulation (EU) 2023/893
(a) The demonstration of language proficiency shall be done through a method of assessment approved by the competent authority, which shall contain:
(1) the process by which an assessment is done;
(2) the qualification of the assessors;
(3) the appeals procedure.
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - Regulation (EU) 2015/340]
The demonstration of language proficiency shall be done through a method of assessment approved by any competent authority, which shall contain:
(1) the process by which an assessment is done;
(2) the qualification of the assessors;
(3) the appeal procedure.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/893]
(b) Language assessment bodies shall comply with the requirements established by the competent authorities according to ATCO.AR.A.010.
AMC1 ATCO.B.040 Assessment of language proficiency
ED Decision 2015/010/R
GENERAL
(a) The language proficiency assessment should be designed to reflect the tasks undertaken by air traffic controllers, but with specific focus on language rather than operational procedures and knowledge.
(b) The assessment should determine the applicant’s ability to communicate effectively using visual and non-visual communication in both routine and non-routine situations.
AMC2 ATCO.B.040 Assessment of language proficiency
ED Decision 2015/010/R
ASSESSMENT
(a) The assessment should comprise the following three elements:
(1) listening — assessment of comprehension;
(2) speaking — assessment of pronunciation, fluency, structure and vocabulary;
(3) interaction.
(b) The switch between phraseology and plain language should be assessed for listening and speaking proficiency.
(c) When the assessment is not conducted in a face-to-face situation, it should use appropriate technologies for the assessment of the applicant’s abilities in listening and speaking, and for enabling interactions.
(d) In case of revalidation of the language proficiency endorsement, the assessment may be conducted during training activities or on operational position, with prior notification to the air traffic controller to be assessed.
(e) Irrespective of the way the assessment is organised, the requirements listed in (a) and (b) as well as the relevant provisions for language proficiency assessors should be met.
AMC3 ATCO.B.040 Assessment of language proficiency
ED Decision 2015/010/R
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY ASSESSORS
(a) Persons responsible for language proficiency assessment should be suitably trained and qualified.
(b) Language proficiency assessors should undergo regular refresher training on language assessment skills.
(c) Language proficiency assessors should not conduct language proficiency assessments whenever their objectivity may be affected.
AMC4 ATCO.B.040 Assessment of language proficiency
ED Decision 2023/011/R
CRITERIA FOR THE ACCEPTABILITY OF LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT BODIES
(a) A language assessment body should provide clear information about its organisation and its relationships with other organisations.
(b) If a language assessment body is also an air traffic controller training organisation, there should be a clear and documented separation between the two activities.
(c) The language assessment body should employ a sufficient number of qualified interlocutors and language proficiency assessors to administer the required tests.
(d) The assessment documentation should include at least the following:
(1) assessment objectives;
(2) assessment layout, timescale, technologies used, assessment samples, voice samples;
(3) assessment criteria and standards (at least for the operational, extended and expert levels of the rating scale in Appendix 1 to Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2015/340);
(4) documentation demonstrating the assessment validity, relevance and reliability for the operational and extended levels;
(5) documentation demonstrating the assessment validity, relevance and reliability for the expert level;
(6) procedures to ensure that language assessments are standardised within the language assessment body and in the ATC community;
(7) assessment procedures and responsibilities, such as:
— preparation of individual assessment;
— administration: location(s), identity check and invigilation, assessment discipline, confidentiality/security;
— reporting and documentation provided to the competent authority and/or to the applicant, including sample certificate; and
— retention of documents and records.
(8) The assessment documentation and records should be kept for a period of time determined by the competent authority and made available to the competent authority upon request.
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2015/010/R]
(d) The assessment documentation should include at least the following:
(1) assessment objectives;
(2) assessment layout, timescale, technologies used, assessment samples, voice samples;
(3) assessment criteria and standards (at least for the operational, extended and expert levels of the rating scale in Appendix 1 to Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2015/340);
(4) documentation demonstrating the assessment validity, relevance and reliability for the operational, extended and expert levels;
(5) procedures to ensure that language assessments are standardised within the language assessment body and in the ATC community;
(6) assessment procedures and responsibilities, such as:
— preparation of individual assessment;
— administration: location(s), identity check and invigilation, assessment discipline, confidentiality/security;
— reporting and documentation provided to the competent authority and/or to the applicant, including sample certificate; and
— retention of documents and records.
(7) The assessment documentation and records should be kept for a period of time determined by the competent authority and made available to the competent authority upon request.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]
GM1 ATCO.B.040 Assessment of language proficiency
ED Decision 2015/010/R
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY ASSESSORS
(a) Persons responsible for language proficiency assessment should be either aviation specialists (e.g. current or former air traffic controllers) or language specialists with additional aviation-related training. The preferred approach for an assessment would be to form a team consisting of an operational expert and a language expert.
(b) Language proficiency assessors should be trained in the requirements specific to the language proficiency assessment, and assessment and interlocution techniques.
GM2 ATCO.B.040 Assessment of language proficiency
ED Decision 2023/011/R
Further information can be found in the ‘Manual on the Implementation of ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements’ (ICAO Doc 9835) and the Language Testing Criteria for Global Harmonization (ICAO Cir 318 AN/180).
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2015/010/R]
Further information can be found in the ‘Manual on the Implementation of ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements’ (ICAO Doc 9835) and the ‘Language Testing Criteria for Global Harmonization’ (ICAO Cir 318 AN/180).
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]
Regulation (EU) 2015/340
(a) Air navigation service providers shall make available language training to maintain the required level of language proficiency of air traffic controllers to:
(1) holders of language proficiency endorsement at operational level (level four);
(2) licence holders without the opportunity to apply their skills on a regular basis in order to maintain their language skills.
(b) Language training may also be made available in the form of continuous training.
AMC1 ATCO.B.045 Language training
ED Decision 2015/010/R
(a) Language training should contain communication in a job-related context particularly to handle abnormal and emergency situations and conduct non-routine coordination with colleagues, crews and technical staff.
(b) Emphasis should be placed on listening comprehension, speaking interaction and vocabulary building.
GM1 ATCO.B.045 Language training
ED Decision 2015/010/R
While it is true that many licence holders regularly have prolonged and extensive opportunities to practise — and so to maintain — their language proficiency, it is also true that a purely routine use of the language through phraseology, standard procedures and limited social contact only maintains a restricted core usage of the language which might be quite inadequate for managing unexpected and abnormal situations.
Research shows that language proficiency erosion (language attrition) occurs rapidly over time; the lower the initial level, the faster the rate of erosion unless systematic strategies and a high degree of motivation counter this trend.
It is very well documented that one’s language and communicative proficiency, even in one’s native language, deteriorates sharply under stress, therefore, it is recommended that licence holders participate in available language training.
GM2 ATCO.B.045 Language training
ED Decision 2015/010/R
Training for language proficiency skills may be delegated to language training organisations with knowledge in the field of aviation.