ATCO.C.001 Theoretical instructors
Regulation (EU) 2015/340
(a) Theoretical training shall only be carried out by appropriately qualified instructors.
(b) A theoretical instructor is appropriately qualified if he/she:
(1) holds an air traffic controller licence and/or holds a professional qualification appropriate to the subject being taught and/or has demonstrated adequate knowledge and experience to the training organisation;
(2) has demonstrated instructional skills to the training organisation.
GM1 ATCO.C.001(b)(1) Theoretical instructors
ED Decision 2015/010/R
QUALIFICATION OF THEORETICAL INSTRUCTORS
Professional qualification appropriate to the subject should ensure sufficient level of current knowledge, which is relevant to the subject and its application in air traffic control.
AMC1 ATCO.C.001(b)(2) Theoretical instructors
ED Decision 2015/010/R
INSTRUCTIONAL SKILLS FOR THEORETICAL INSTRUCTORS
A satisfactory demonstration of instructional skills for theoretical instructors should establish competence at least in the following areas:
(a) lesson objectives are defined and communicated;
(b) subject questions are fully answered;
(c) visual aids are used appropriately;
(d) language is unambiguous;
(e) the lesson is correctly summarised; and
(f) lesson objectives are fulfilled.
ATCO.C.005 Practical instructors
Regulation (EU) 2015/340
A person shall only carry out practical training when he/she holds an air traffic controller licence with an on-the-job training instructor (OJTI) endorsement or a synthetic training device instructor (STDI) endorsement.
ATCO.C.010 On-the-job training instructor (OJTI) privileges
Regulation (EU) 2015/340
(a) Holders of an OJTI endorsement are authorised to provide practical training and supervision on operational working positions for which a valid unit endorsement is held and on synthetic training devices in the ratings held.
(b) Holders of an OJTI endorsement shall only exercise the privileges of the endorsement if they have:
(1) exercised for at least two years the privilege of the rating they will instruct in;
(2) exercised for an immediately preceding period of at least six months the privilege of the valid unit endorsement, in which instruction will be given;
(3) practised instructional skills in those procedures in which it is intended to provide instruction.
(c) The period of two years referred to in point (b)(1) can be shortened to not less than one year by the competent authority when requested by the training organisation.
GM1 ATCO.C.010(c) On-the-job training instructor (OJTI) privileges
ED Decision 2015/010/R
SHORTENING OF THE RATING EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT FOR OJTI
When assessing the training organisations’ request for the shortening of the rating experience requirement for OJTIs, the competent authority should take into account the complexity of the traffic in the unit where the on-the-job instruction is provided, as well as the impact on the continuity and safety aspects of the service.
ATCO.C.015 Application for on-the-job training instructor endorsement
Regulation (EU) 2023/893
Applicants for the issue of an OJTI endorsement shall:
(a) hold an air traffic controller licence with a valid unit endorsement;
(b) have exercised the privileges of an air traffic controller licence for a period of at least two years immediately preceding the application. This period can be shortened to not less than one year by the competent authority when requested by the training organisation; and
(c) within the year preceding the application, have successfully completed a practical instructional techniques course during which the required knowledge and pedagogical skills are taught and have been appropriately assessed.
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - Regulation (EU) 2015/340]
Applicants for the issue of an OJTI endorsement shall:
(a) hold an air traffic controller licence with a valid unit endorsement;
(b) have exercised the privileges of an air traffic controller licence for a period of at least 2 years immediately preceding the application. This period may be shortened to not less than 1 year by the competent authority when requested by the training organisation; and
(c) within the 12 months preceding the application, have successfully completed a practical instructional techniques course during which the required knowledge and pedagogical skills are taught and have been appropriately assessed.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/893]
GM1 ATCO.C.015(b) Application for on-the-job training instructor endorsement
ED Decision 2015/010/R
SHORTENING OF THE LICENCE EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT FOR OJTI
When assessing the training organisations’ request for the shortening of the licence experience requirement for OJTIs, the competent authorities should take into account the complexity of the traffic in the unit where the on-the-job instruction is provided, as well as the impact on the continuity and safety aspects of the service.
ATCO.C.020 Validity of on-the-job training instructor endorsement
Regulation (EU) 2023/893
(a) The OJTI endorsement shall be valid for a period of three years.
(b) The OJTI endorsement may be revalidated by successfully completing refresher training on practical instructional skills during its validity period, provided that the requirements of ATCO.C.015(a) and (b) are met.
(c) If the OJTI endorsement has expired, it may be renewed by:
(1) receiving refresher training on practical instructional skills; and
(2) successfully passing a practical instructor competence assessment;
within the year preceding the application for renewal, provided that the requirements of ATCO.C.015(a) and (b) are met.
(d) In the case of first issue and renewal the period of validity of the OJTI endorsement shall start not later than 30 days from the date on which the assessment has been successfully completed.
(e) If the requirements of ATCO.C.015(a) and (b) are not met the OJTI endorsement may be exchanged for an STDI endorsement, provided that compliance with the requirements of ATCO.C.040(b) and (c) is ensured.
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - Regulation (EU) 2015/340]
(a) The OJTI endorsement shall be valid for a period of 3 years.
(b) The OJTI endorsement may be revalidated by successfully completing refresher training on practical instructional skills during its validity, provided that the requirement of point ATCO.C.015(a) is met.
(c) If the OJTI endorsement has expired, provided that the requirement of point ATCO.C.015(a) is met, it may be renewed if, within the 12 months preceding the application for renewal, the OJTI endorsement holder has:
(1) received refresher training on practical instructional skills; and
(2) successfully passed a practical instructor competence assessment.
(d) In the case of first issue and renewal, the period of validity of the OJTI endorsement shall start not later than 30 days from the date on which the assessment has been successfully completed.
(e) If the requirement of point ATCO.C.015(a) is not met, the OJTI endorsement may be exchanged for an STDI endorsement, provided that compliance with the requirements of point ATCO.C.040 (b) and (c) is ensured.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/893]
GM1 ATCO.C.020(b) Validity of on-the-job training instructor endorsement
ED Decision 2015/010/R
REVALIDATION
(a) Successful completion of the refresher training in practical instructional skills may be verified by several means, for example by:
(1) dedicated or continuous assessment;
(2) peer assessment; or
(3) demonstration of the practical instructional skills.
(b) The verification should be undertaken following the completion of the refresher training.
ATCO.C.025 Temporary OJTI authorisation
Regulation (EU) 2015/340
(a) When compliance with the requirements provided for in ATCO.C.010(b)(2) is not possible, the competent authority may grant temporary OJTI authorisation based on a safety analysis presented by the air navigation service provider.
(b) The temporary OJTI authorisation referred to in point (a) may be issued to holders of a valid OJTI endorsement issued in accordance with ATCO.C.015.
(c) The temporary OJTI authorisation referred to in point (a) shall be limited to the instruction necessary to cover exceptional situations and its validity shall not exceed one year or the expiration of the validity of the OJTI endorsement issued in accordance with ATCO.C.015, whichever occurs sooner.
AMC1 ATCO.C.025(a) Temporary OJTI authorisation
ED Decision 2015/010/R
SAFETY ANALYSIS
The safety analysis should specify the reasons for which the relevant unit endorsement requirement provided for in ATCO.C.010(b)(2) cannot be met and how the equivalent level of safety will be ensured by other means.
GM1 ATCO.C.025(a) Temporary OJTI authorisation
ED Decision 2015/010/R
EXCEPTIONAL SITUATIONS
Exceptional situations for which it may be considered not to be possible to comply with ATCO.C.010(b)(2) for the purpose of the valid unit endorsement experience, and, therefore, a temporary OJTI authorisation may be granted, are the following:
(a) establishment of a new ATC unit or new sector for the air navigation service provider;
(b) the continuity of the existing service is endangered due to the non-availability of personnel as a consequence of a change in the air navigation service provider at the ATC unit;
(c) new rating or rating endorsement put into operation at an ATC unit;
(d) reopening of a temporary ATC unit.
ATCO.C.030 Synthetic training device instructor (STDI) privileges
Regulation (EU) 2023/893
(a) Holders of an STDI endorsement are authorised to provide practical training on synthetic training devices:
(1) for subjects of practical nature during initial training;
(2) for unit training other than OJT; and
(3) for continuation training.
Where the STDI is providing pre-OJT, he/she shall hold or have held the relevant unit endorsement.
(b) Holders of an STDI endorsement shall only exercise the privileges of the endorsement if they have:
(1) at least two years' experience in the rating they will instruct in;
(2) demonstrated knowledge of current operational practices;
(3) practised instructional techniques in those procedures in which it is intended to provide instruction.
(c) Notwithstanding point (b)(1)
(1) for the purpose of basic training any rating held is appropriate;
(2) for the purpose of rating training, training may be provided for specific and selected operational tasks by an STDI holding a rating that is relevant for that specific and selected operational task.
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - Regulation (EU) 2015/340]
(a) Holders of an STDI endorsement are authorised to provide practical training on synthetic training devices:
(1) for subjects of practical nature during initial training;
(2) for unit training other than OJT; and
(3) for continuation training.
Where the STDI is providing pre-OJT, he or she shall hold or have held the relevant unit endorsement.
(b) Holders of an STDI endorsement shall only exercise the privileges of the endorsement if they have:
(1) at least 2 years’ experience in the rating they will instruct in;
(2) demonstrated knowledge of current operational practices;
(3) practised instructional techniques in those procedures in which instruction is provided.
(c) As an exception to point (b)(1),
(1) the period of 2 years may be shortened to not less than 1 year by the competent authority when requested by the training organisation;
(2) for the purpose of basic training, any rating held is appropriate;
(3) for the purpose of rating training, training may be provided for specific and selected operational tasks by an STDI holding a rating that is relevant for that specific and selected operational task.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/893]
GM1 ATCO.C.030(a)(1) Synthetic training device instructor (STDI) privileges
ED Decision 2015/010/R
SUBJECTS OF PRACTICAL NATURE
Subjects with objectives at taxonomy level 3 or higher, related to Air Traffic Management Basic (ATMB), are considered of practical nature during initial training.
GM1 ATCO.C.030(c)(1) Synthetic training device instructor (STDI) privileges
ED Decision 2023/011/R
SHORTENING OF THE RATING EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT FOR STDIs
When assessing a training organisation’s request for the shortening of the rating experience requirement for STDIs, competent authorities should take into account the complexity of the training expected to be delivered by the potential STDI and the impact on the continuity of the provision of training.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]
GM1 ATCO.C.030(c)(2) Synthetic training device instructor (STDI) privileges
ED Decision 2023/011/R
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2015/010/R]
GM1 ATCO.C.030(c)(3) Synthetic training device instructor (STDI) privileges
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]
PROVISION OF TRAINING FOR SPECIFIC AND SELECTED OPERATIONAL TASKS
Some of the skills required for the two different aerodrome control ratings, for the two different procedural ratings, as well as for the two different surveillance ratings are the same or similar. Therefore, instruction not being specific for one rating or the training being for specific and selected operational tasks that do not require the learner to practise all of the tasks which are normally associated with a fully operational environment, may be provided by an STDI, having experience of at least two years in a rating that requires similar skills.
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - ED Decision 2015/010/R]
PROVISION OF TRAINING FOR SPECIFIC AND SELECTED OPERATIONAL TASKS
Some of the skills required for the two different procedural ratings, as well as for the two different surveillance ratings are the same or similar. Therefore, instruction not being specific for one rating or the training being for specific and selected operational tasks that do not require the learner to practise all the tasks which are normally associated with a fully operational environment, may be provided by an STDI that has at least 2 years of experience in a rating that requires similar skills.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]
ATCO.C.035 Application for synthetic training device instructor endorsement
Regulation (EU) 2023/893
Applicants for the issue of an STDI endorsement shall:
(a) have exercised the privileges of an air traffic controller licence in any rating for at least two years; and
(b) within the year preceding the application have successfully completed a practical instructional techniques course during which the required knowledge and pedagogical skills are taught using theoretical and practical methods and have been appropriately assessed.
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - Regulation (EU) 2015/340]
Applicants for the issue of an STDI endorsement shall:
(a) have exercised the privileges of an air traffic controller licence in any rating for at least 2 years. This period may be shortened to not less than 1 year by the competent authority when requested by the training organisation; and
(b) within the 12 months preceding the application, have successfully completed a practical instructional techniques course during which the required knowledge and pedagogical skills are taught using theoretical and practical methods and have been appropriately assessed.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/893]
GM1 ATCO.C.035(a) Application for synthetic training device instructor (STDI) endorsement
ED Decision 2023/011/R
SHORTENING OF THE LICENCE EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT FOR STDIs
When assessing a training organisation’s request for the shortening of the licence experience requirement for STDIs, competent authorities should take into account the complexity of the training expected to be delivered by the potential STDI and the impact on the continuity of the provision of training.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - ED Decision 2023/011/R]
ATCO.C.040 Validity of synthetic training device instructor endorsement
Regulation (EU) 2023/893
(a) The STDI endorsement shall be valid for a period of three years.
(b) The STDI endorsement may be revalidated by successfully completing refresher training on practical instructional skills and on current operational practices during its validity period.
(c) If the STDI endorsement has expired, it may be renewed by:
(1) receiving refresher training on practical instructional skills and on current operational practices; and
(2) successfully passing a practical instructor competence assessment;
within the year preceding the application for renewal.
(d) In the case of first issue and renewal the period of validity of the STDI endorsement shall start not later than 30 days from the date on which the assessment has been successfully completed.
[applicable until 3 August 2024 - Regulation (EU) 2015/340]
(a) The STDI endorsement shall be valid for a period of 3 years.
(b) The STDI endorsement may be revalidated by successfully completing refresher training on practical instructional skills and on current operational practices during its validity period.
(c) If the STDI endorsement has expired, it may be renewed if, within the 12 months preceding the application for renewal, the STDI endorsement holder has:
(1) received refresher training on practical instructional skills and on current operational practices; and
(2) successfully passed a practical instructor competence assessment.
(d) In the case of first issue and renewal, the period of validity of the STDI endorsement shall start not later than 30 days from the date on which the assessment has been successfully completed.
[applicable from 4 August 2024 - Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/893]
GM1 ATCO.C.040(b) Validity of synthetic training device instructor endorsement
ED Decision 2015/010/R
REVALIDATION
(a) Successful completion of the refresher training in practical instructional skills and current operational practices may be verified by several means, for example by:
(1) dedicated or continuous assessment;
(2) peer assessment; or
(3) demonstration of practical instructional skills.
(b) Current operational practices may be refreshed by transitional and pre-on-the-job training.
(c) The verification should be undertaken following the completion of the refresher training.