EASA Moving Toward European License for Air Traffic Controllers
A committee approved the draft regulatory proposal last week. Once the European Commission approves, it is expected to take effect June 30, 2015.
The European Aviation Safety Agency announced that a committee has approved a draft regulatory proposal that would harmonize training and certification standards for air traffic controllers throughout the EU. This followed the publication of EASA's Opinion No. 11/2013 on the licensing and medical certification of air traffic controllers on Dec. 3, 2013. After the proposal is adopted by the European Commission and published, it is expected to take effect June 30, 2015.
It will establish common training standards and "also establishes the necessary synergies for aero-medical examiners and centres involved in the medical certification of pilots and air traffic controllers," according to EASA. "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 Dec. 31, 2016.