Thu, Sep 01, 2011
Sets Standards, Offers Mobility For Controllers In Europe
EASA, the European Aviation Safety Agency, is noting the entry
into force Wednesday of new rules for the licensing and medical
certification of Air Traffic Controllers, or ATCO for short. The
comprehensive agreement, which includes criteria for determining
everything from the competence of regulating authorities and
training providers to medical and training standards for
controllers, was adopted by member states August 10, but did not
take effect until 20 days after publication in the Official Journal
of the European Union.
Building on a European Directive from 2006, the regulation
replaces potentially differing national rules and offers greater
professional mobility for air traffic controllers. Controllers
holding a license issued in accordance with the regulation will be
able to work in all member states.
EASA says the legislative process has ensured continuity with
previous rules, as demanded by stakeholders. Changes are limited to
the most necessary, and adaptation periods are granted to concerned
parties. The grandfathering of privileges of already acquired
licenses is ensured via transitional arrangements.
"With the entry into force of the ATCO regulation today, EASA
has contributed the first implementing rule of the extension of the
agency’s competence to air traffic management," said EASA
Executive Director, Patrick Goudou. "The harmonization of air
traffic controller licensing will make an important contribution to
the achievement of a high and uniform level of safety across
Europe."
EASA calls itself the centerpiece of the European Union's
strategy for aviation safety. Its expressed mission is to promote
and achieve the highest common standards of safety and
environmental protection in civil aviation. Based in Cologne, the
agency currently employs more than 500 experts and administrators
from all over Europe.
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