Air traffic controller

EUROPEAN UNION GOVERNMENT OF ROMNIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR,

FAMILY, SOCIAL SECURITY AND ELDERY PERSONS

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European Social Fund POS DRU 2007-2013

Structural Instruments 2007 - 2013

1

THE EUROPEAN SOCIAL FUND

Sectoral Operational Programme for Human Resources Development 2007 – 2013

Priority axis 3 „INCREASING ADAPTABILITY OF WORKERS AND ENTERPRISES”

Major area of intervention 3.3 „Development of partnerships and encouraging initiatives for social partners and

civil society"

Project title: “The Network of Competent Authorities for Professional Qualifications in Romania (IMI PQ NET

Romania)”

Beneficiary: Ministry of National Education

Contract no: POSDRU/93/3.3/S/53132

2013_05_L31.2_Bocii

Guide to certification and recognition for the profession of:

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Author:

Prof. univ. Dr. Eng. Liviu Sevastian BOCÎI, [email protected], 0722519943

Subfield G1: Sectoral Committee of Transport, Romanian Railway Authority, CENAFER,

Romanian Naval Authority, CERONAV

mailto:[email protected]



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CONTENT

Introduction........................................................................................................................ 3

I. The status of the regulation of the profession of: air traffic controller in Romania

and in other Member States of the European Union...................................................... 4

II. Procedures of confirmation/certification of competences applied by the CA in

countries where the profession is regulated.................................................................... 7

2.1 Air traffic controller training........……………………………………………...... 7

2.2 Professional competences of air traffic controller ……………………………... 17

III. Processes of recognition of qualifications attained in other Member States of

the European Union........................................................................................................... 23

3.1 Recognition of professional qualifications in Italy............................................... 24

3.2 Recognition of professional qualifications in the Netherlands............................. 27

3.3 Recognition of professional qualifications in Romania........................................ 31

3.4 SOLVIT……………………………………………………………………………. 34

IV. The practice of the air traffic controller profession in the EU.…………………… 36

Conclusions …...………………………………………………………………………….. 39

Bibliography …………..……………………………………………………………….. 40



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INTRODUCTION

The project, “The Network of Competent Authorities for Professional Qualifications in Romania

(IMI PQ NET Romania)”, seeks, through the proposed activities, the attainment of three major

objectives throughout the implementation period, with the aim of obtaining results which are beneficial for

all parties, both during implementation, as well as post-implementation.

The guide to the certification and recognition of the profession of Air traffic controller

constitutes one of these results, which developed following an analysis, conducted together with the

Competent Authorities, of the validation and certification of competences and processes of recognition of

qualification for each of the regulated professions. Thus, the development of guides by regulated

profession was considered to be highly important, aiming at achieving the following objectives:

Helping the Competent Authorities in Romania in the unfolding of the activity of standardization

of the processes of certification and recognition of the regulated professions under their management

by informing them in regard to the practices from other Members States of the European Union;

Informing all private persons who acquired qualifications in the respective field of activity in

Romania and who wish to practice the said profession in one of the Member States of the European

Union;

Promoting and consolidating the multisectoral partnership structure created through the project

(The IMI PQ NET Romania Network), being assisted by the IMI platform of the European

Commission.

The guide to certification and recognition of the regulated profession/professions has a standard

structure as was developed in accordance with the Development methodology of guides to certification and

recognition of professions, the analysis having been done for those Member States of the European Union

which were analysed (The Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Great Britain, the Netherlands,

Portugal and Spain), where the respective profession is regulated. Thus, this guide is the result of research

activities on specialised bibliography concerning the profession in question from each Member State of the

European Union, as well as of the existent and accessible information from the statistics in the IMI system.

In addition, the comparative studies at a European Union level were taken into consideration, developed for

the approached field, which are based on the experience of some study visits where the models and, more

importantly, the examples of good practices in the field of professional qualification and of the

implementation of the IMI system were identified.



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I. THE STATUS OF REGULATION OF THE PROFESSION OF: AIR TRAFFIC

CONTROLLER IN ROMANIA AND IN OTHER MEMBER STATES OF THE

EUROPEAN UNION

The profession of Air traffic controller is regulated, according to the national laws of transposition of

Directive 2005/36/EC 1

of the European Parliament and Council of 7 September 2005, on the recognition of

professional qualifications, in six Member States of the European Union, of which: Italy, the Netherlands,

and Romania are among the Member States analysed. It may be noted that, for the same generic name: Air

traffic controller, the status briefly presented in table 1, is the following:

France: Agent assurant le service d'information de vol et d'alerte/ Air traffic controller – Agent

providing flight information services and alerts;

Italy: Controllore di volo/ Air traffic controller - Flight controller;

Malta: Air traffic control officer/ Air traffic controller;

The Netherlands: Luchtverkeersleider/ Air traffic controller;

Switzerland: Personnel du service de la navigation aérienne/ Air traffic controller – Personnel in

the air navigation service;

Romania: Controlor trafic aerian dirijare/ Air traffic controller – Air traffic controller direction.

In order to consolidate safety standards and to improve the operation of the air traffic control system

in the European Union, the European Commission drafted Commission Regulation (EU) no. 8052 of 10

August 2011, laying down detailed rules for air traffic controllers’ licences and certain certificates pursuant

to Regulation (EC) no. 216 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 February 2008. Thus, by

implementing this regulation, certain changes are found concerning the actual name of the regulated

profession of air traffic controller in some Member States of the European Union, currently accepted and

used by the members of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). These changes are a result of

consultations with CA representatives, marked in table 1 with the asterisk symbol (*).

1 OJ L 255, 30.09.2005, p. 22 - 123

2 OJ L 206, 11.08.2011, p. 21 - 38



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Table 1. State of regulation of the profession: Air traffic controller in EU3

The name of the

profession in the

language of origin

(translation into

English)/generic name

/name cf. Regulation

(EU) no. 805

The country where

it is regulated The competent authority

Recognition according to

Directive 2005/36/EC

(National legislation)

Qualification level

1 2 3 4 5

Agent assurant le

service d'information

de vol et d'alerte/ Air

traffic controller/

Contrôleur de la

circulation aériene*

France

Centre ENIC/NARIC France

Centre international d’études pédagogiques (CIEP), 1 avenue

Léon Journault, 92318 Sevres Cedex FRANCE

Phone: +33 1 70 19 30 31

Fax: +33 1 45 07 63 02

enic-naric＠ciep.fr, http://www.ciep.fr/enic-naricfr/index.php

Level to be checked Undefined

Controllore di volo/

Air traffic controller/

Controllore del

traffico aereo*

Italy

Ente Nazionale per l’Aviazione Civile (ENAC)

Viale Castro Pretorio, 118 - 00185 Roma

phone. +39 06 445961 - fax +39 06 44596493,

[email protected]

General system of

recognition – primary

application

PS3 - Diploma of a

postsecondary

level

(3 - 4 years), art.

11 d

3 http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/qualifications/regprof (07.04.2013)

mailto:enic-naric%40ciep.fr

http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/qualifications/_private/texts/contactpoints/http:/www.ciep.fr/enic-naricfr/index.php


http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/qualifications/regprof



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Continuation table 1

1 2 3 4 5

Air traffic control

officer/ Air traffic

controller/ Kontrollur

tat-traffiku tal-ajru*

Malta

Transport Malta

Civil Aviation Directorate, Luqa Airport, Luqa LQA 3290

Phone: +356 25555606, Fax: +356 21239278

E-mail: [email protected]


Luchtverkeersleider/

Air traffic controller/

Luchtverkeersleiders

krijgen*

The Netherlands

Nederlandse Luchtvaart Autoriteit

(Dutch Aviation Authority), Postbus 575

2130 AN Hoofddorp,

Phone: +31-23 5663251 Fax: +31-23 5663005

[email protected], www.minVenW.nl

General system of


application

PS3 - Diploma of a

postsecondary level

(3 - 4 years), art. 11 d

Controlor trafic aerian

dirijare (Air traffic

routing controller)/Air

traffic controller

Romania

Romanian Civil Aeronautical Authority,

Șos. București-Ploiești no. 38-40, Bucharest,

Phone: +40 21 2081508, Fax: +40 21 2081572

E-mail: [email protected], URL: www.caa.ro

General system of


application

ATT – Attestation of

competence, art. 11 a

Personnel du service

de la navigation

aérienne/ Air traffic

controller

Switzerland

Office fédéral de la formation professionnelle et de la

technologie (OFFT), (Swiss Federal Department of Economic

Affairs, Federal Office for Professional Education),

Effingerstrasse 27, 3003 Berne,

Phone: +41.31.322.28.26 Fax: +41-31-3249247

www.bbt.admin.ch, [email protected]




http://www.minvenw.nl/

http://www.bbt.admin.ch/




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II. PROCEDURES OF CONFIRMATION/CERTIFICATION OF COMPETENCES APPLIED

BY THE CA IN COUNTRIES WHERE THE PROFESSION IS REGULATED

The process of certification of competences is the process through which an accredited institution

certifies the fact that a person has competences in a specific field, with a document which is called a

certificate (attestation) of professional competence. A certificate of professional competence is not a

diploma of studies, however it certifies that a person has a certain level of expertise in a specific field, and

this allows an increase in his chances to be hired and gives a higher credibility to his services and the goods

which he makes.

The basic principles of the process of certification of professional competences are the following:

The certification of competences is an optional process and not a mandatory one. Nevertheless,

institutional policies may exist which mandate the certification of the competences of their members

as a requirement to be part of the respective organization;

The evaluation of professional competences can be done by the same organization which certified

the competences or by another organization;

Generally, the professional competence is checked in its entirety and not parts of it;

The certification of professional competences is a separate process from professional training (in

other words, an organization that awards professional competences through training cannot directly

participate in their certification);

The centres of professional training may facilitate the professional competence certification process

through partnerships and agreements with the competence certification organizations.

2.1. Training and authorisation of air traffic controllers

ITALY

In Italy the initial training of the Air traffic controller includes:

a basic course with a duration of 20 months;

a period of practical training.

After completing the basic course, which is structured in 3 modules, the graduates acquire a

knowledge basis accumulating information from the following disciplines:

general and technical English;

air navigation, aircrafts and flight principles;

meteorology;

telecommunications;



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legislation on aviation, telecommunications and flight security;

team psychology and management;

air traffic control.

The requirements for practicing the profession of Air traffic controller are:

high school diploma with an aeronautics specialisation;

certificate attesting to completing a proper training course;

attestation concerning the level of knowledge of the English language;

medical certificate attesting that he/she is apt to practice this profession (excellent hearing, clear

vision, fast reflexes, the ability to make correct decisions under conditions of stress, good health

condition, ability to work in a team).

Legislative Decree no. 118 of 30 May 20084, on the Implementation of Directive 2006/23/EC on a

Community air traffic controller licence - Decreto Legislativo 30 maggio 2008, n.118 – Attuazione della

direttiva 2006/23/CE, relativa alla licenza comunitaria dei controllori del traffico aereo stipulates the

following:

"Community air traffic controller licence ", named "licence" is an issued and registered

certificate which authorises its legal holder to provide air traffic control services, in accordance

with the ratings and endorsements contained therein;

" Community air traffic controller student licence", named "student licence" means a permit

issued by the operator of the student who successfully completed the initial training of the first

qualification of air traffic control and who needs an authorization in order to continue his/her

training;

"rating" means the authorisation entered on a licence, stating the conditions or limitations

pertaining to such a licence which shall include at least one of the following ratings:

aerodrome control visual;

aerodrome control instrument;

approach control procedural;

approach control surveillance;

area control procedural;

area control surveillance;

"rating endorsement " means the authorisation entered on a licence, indicating the conditions or

limitations pertaining to the relevant rating;

4 http://www.laprevidenza.it/stampa.php?nid=2779

http://www.laprevidenza.it/stampa.php?nid=2779



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"unit endorsement" means the authorisation entered on a licence, indicating the location, in

accordance with ICAO, as well as the sectors and working positions where the holder of the

licence is authorised to perform tasks;

"language endorsement" means the authorisation entered on a licence which indicates the level

of language proficiency of the holder;

"instructor endorsement" means the authorisation entered on the licence, indicating the

competence of the holder to give on-the-job training instruction;

"specialist licence" means the authorisation entered on a licence, to perform the operational

functions of instructor, examiner and assessor of skills;

"training organisation" means an organisation which has been certified by the national

supervisory authority meant to offer one or more types of education or of professional training

according to the law;

"student controller" means the holder of a student air traffic controller permit;

"training air traffic controller" means the holder of an air traffic controller licence attained after

completing a training or instruction course required for acquiring additional ratings or

competences;

"student" means any person who attends an initial course and intends to attain a student air

traffic controller licence;

“specialist assessors" means the authorisation entered on a licence, indicating the ability of the

owner to operationally examine an air traffic controller;

"specialist examiners" means the authorisation entered on the licence, which indicates the

competence of its holder to perform the examinations for issuing a student air traffic controller

licence, air traffic controller licence, and specialisations on the licence etc.

The principles which regulate the awarding of licences are the following:

the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC), in accordance with article 734 of the Navigation

Code, provides in its regulation the requirements and procedures for issuing, maintaining,

suspending and revoking the licence for the air traffic controller;

awarding the licence is conditioned on promoting theoretical and practical tests designed to verify

the ability of the applicant to perform activities of air traffic controller duties. The tests aim to verify

the experience, skills, theoretical and linguistic knowledge, within the programs approved by ENAC

in accordance with Community legislation;

the licences are issued by the ENAC (Italian Civil Aviation Authority), they are kept on record and

they bear the signature of the person concerned;



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the licence, the ratings or the certifications may be suspended by ENAC, when the responsibility of

the air traffic controller is under question in an accident or incident in which the aircraft was

compromised or when other violations were determined;

the licence is revoked by ENAC in the following instances:

on violation of laws and regulations relating to air traffic control;

for gross or repeated negligence in fulfilling the air traffic controller duties which

compromised aircraft safety;

for other breaches of the rules of ethics.

The licence cannot be issued for those who were sentenced for imprisonment of more than five years

for deliberate offenses;

the licence issued in Italian, contains the elements specified below and mentions the English

translation of the main identification elements.

Specifications of the licence of air traffic controller

The licences are issued in accordance with the following specifications:

Details about the licence:

The items marked with an asterisk are mentioned in English:

a) *Republic of Italy, Civil Aviation Authority;

b) *the title of the licence (in bold type);

c) the serial number of the licence (in arabic numerals) awarded by the licensing authority;

d) name of the holder;

e) date of birth;

f) the nationality of the holder;

g) the signature of the holder;

h) *certification concerning validity and authorisation for the holder to be able to

exercise privileges appropriate to the licence, with the following indications:

ratings, rating endorsements;

language proficiency and licence specialisation;

the date when they were first issued;

the date when their validity expires.

i) the signature of the officer issuing the licence and the date of issue;

l) the stamp of the authority issuing the licence;

The licence must be accompanied by a valid medical certificate.



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The material from which the licence is made: first quality paper or another suitable material on

which the above mentioned items will also appear;

The colour of the licence: white.

The individuals wishing to hold a licence of air traffic controller shall fulfil the following

requirements:

a) be at least 21 years old;

b) hold a student air traffic controller licence;

c) have completed professional training courses approved by ENAC;

d) hold a valid medical certificate;

e) attestation of language proficiency.

The licences include, in addition to those above mentioned, the following:

a) one or more assessments concerning the type of services which the holder can perform;

b) their mention towards the approval;

c) specialisations, in the case of the awarding of an air traffic controller licence;

d) language proficiency.

The certificates may include:

a) specialisations licences;

b) any national certifications.

The ratings, certificates and specialisation licences are defined by ENAC (Italian Civil Aviation

Authority) in its internal norms.

The conditions required concerning the communication language during the practice of the

profession of air traffic controller are the following:

to understand and speak the English and Italian languages at an appropriate level for performing the

services with complete safety and precision;

the certification of the linguistic proficiency will be carried out in accordance with the conditions

and procedures established by ENAC valid since 17 May 2010.

The conditions for maintaining the validity of the certificates and of the specialisations are the

following:

the specialisation is issued for an initial period of 12 months, renewed for additional periods of 12

months, in accordance with the requirements established and mentioned in the ENAC Regulation;

for getting the endorsement of the operational unit, before its expiration, one must complete a

required professional training programme, in accordance with the ENAC Regulation;



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the holder of an approved rating or specialisation, who, during a period of four consecutive years,

does not perform air traffic control services may participate in a professional training course only

after meeting the above mentioned requirements;

the level of proficiency of the applicant shall be checked at regular intervals as was determined by

ENAC.

The medical certificates issued for completing the file shall meet the following requirements5:

to be issued by an authority in the medical field or by the medical examiners approved by ENAC;

to be issued in accordance with the general criteria dictated by the ICAO (International Civil

Aviation Organization) Convention6, as well as the EUROCONTROL requirements, European

Class 3 of medical certification of air traffic controllers;

the validity of the medical certificate is of 2 years for the individuals who are up to 40 years of age,

and for those beyond this age the validity of the medical certificate is of one year (cf. art. 16,

paragraph 1 of the same Regulation);

the medical certification may be revoked at any time, whenever the medical requirements which led

to its issuance are not any longer met;

the licence holder must inform his employer, for medical surveillance purposes, of any change in his

health state which might make him unfit to adequately and safely fulfil the duties imposed by the

nature of practicing the profession;

service providers must establish procedures to ensure that air traffic controllers can fulfil the

obligations provided under the previous paragraph, in accordance with the provisions of Legislative

Decree no. 196 of 30 June 2003;

the licence holder shall be subjected to medical examinations to verify the absence of drug use.

Regarding the professional training internships, the following imposed requirements must be

emphasised:

the training or education of students, of student air traffic controllers and of air traffic controllers,

including the assessments of their level of competence, are organized only by institutions that hold a

training certificate approved by the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC);

ENAC establishes certification requirements by appropriate regulations;

5 Art. 15, paragraph (3), Commission Regulation (EU) no. 805 of 10 August 2011, laying down detailed rules for air

traffic controllers’ licences and certain certificates pursuant to Regulation (EC) no. 216 of the European Parliament and

of the Council of 20 February 2008 6 http://www.icao.int

http://www.icao.int/



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The Italian Civil Aviation Authority performs periodic scheduled and unscheduled inspections,

including unannounced inspections concerning the professional training organizations, in order to

verify compliance with the normative requirements;

The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) may delegate, fully or partially, the conduct of

audits mentioned in the preceding paragraph to organizations recognized under Article 3 of

Regulation no. 550 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2004, on the

provision of air navigation services in the single European sky (the service provision Regulation);

If the Italian Civil Aviation Authority finds that the organization no longer meets the conditions

for professional training or the prescribed conditions it may take such measures as it considers

appropriate, including the withdrawal of the certification.

THE NETHERLANDS

In the Netherlands there is a register which includes all the professional qualifications and training

requirements (CREBO - Het Centraal register beroepsopleidingen – Central Register for Professional

Training) so that any person can find all the information about the specific qualification. The Dutch State

involves itself in schools, concerning the vocational guidance of youth that do not know which profession to

choose; in this regard, the pupils receive efficient programmes of professional training offered by the

education institutions. The objectives which until not long ago were the ones that had to be reached after

completion of an education level are now replaced by abilities and competences which the graduate must

acquire in view of easier labour market insertion.

The development of qualification types is done in collaboration among the representatives of the

Ministry of Education and the representatives of the Dutch business environment.

This strategy was experimented in the Netherlands during 3 years through the so called MBO 2010

(hierna: MBO 2010) process.

The implementation of Regulation7 (EC) no. 216/2008, as well as the new legislation on the Single

European Sky II, requires the establishment of more detailed implementation norms, especially concerning

issuing licences for air traffic controllers, in order to maintain a high uniform level of safety in civilian

aviation in Europe, to achieve the highest standards of responsibility and competence, to improve the

availability of air traffic controllers and to promote the mutual recognition of licences, while pursuing the

objective of improving the global air traffic safety and competence of personnel.

Air traffic controllers, as well as persons and organisations involved in their training, testing,

medical checking or assessment, shall comply with the essential applicable requirements which are provided

7 REGULATION (EC) NO. 216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of 20 February 2008, on

common rules in the field of civil aviation and establishing a European Aviation Safety Agency.



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for in Regulation (EC) no. 216/2008 (Annex Vb). According to the regulation mentioned, air traffic

controllers, as well as persons and organisations involved in their training must be granted certificates or

licences after it is found that they fulfil the essential requirements.

The licence introduced by Directive 2006/23/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of

5 April 2006, on a Community air traffic controller licence, proved to be an efficient instrument for the

recognition of the specific role which the air traffic controllers play in conducting the air traffic control in

safety conditions. Establishing standards of competence at the level of the European Union reduced the

fragmentation in this field, which allowed a more efficient organisation of the activity within an ever more

extensive regional cooperation between the air navigation providers.

Consequently, maintaining and consolidating the common regime of issuing licences for air traffic

controllers in the European Union is an essential element of the European system of air traffic control.

Training as an air traffic controller consists of completing a professional training cycle of

minimum three years, but which shall not exceed 4 years, in a university or in a comparable education

institution. This training must be attested by passing the graduation exam (diploma).

By the Decision of 31 August 2005 of amendment of the Decree8 on the certificates of proficiency for

aviation, including the implementation of the Eurocontrol requirements for the personnel with security

responsibilities within the air traffic services, the following definitions are introduced:

student air traffic controller: a person authorised to provide air traffic services under the supervision

of a qualified instructor;

operator: a person authorised to provide air traffic services in certain conditions specified by the

Dutch aeronautic legislation;

ground traffic control provider: person authorised to control the traffic on the landing area, with the

exception of the traffic during the take-off and landing of the aircraft;

flight control provider: person authorised to offer guidance, control, and alerts on ground or air

traffic movement.

In the Netherlands, Ministerie van Verkeer en Waterstaat issues the certificate of proficiency and

the licences for:

air traffic controller;

student air traffic controller;

flight information service officer;

aerodrome information officer.

8 https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/stb-2005-401.html

http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministerie_van_Verkeer_en_Waterstaat

https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/stb-2005-401.html



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The minimum age for issuing the certificate of competence or of a licence shall be:

for the air traffic controller: 19 years of age;

for the student air traffic controller: 18 years of age;

for the flight information service officer: 18 years of age;

for the aerodrome information officer: 18 years of age.

Issuing a licence for a pilot and the rating for the air traffic controllers, for the student air traffic

controllers and for the information providers, is done on request and is given to any person who fulfils the

following conditions:

holds a valid medical certificate;

meets all the conditions concerning knowledge, skills and experience, according to the Dutch

Ministerial Regulation;

holds an attestation of linguistic proficiency for the English language which will attest its knowledge

at level 4, 5 or 6.

The licences and ratings (attained after some general or special assessments) of the air traffic

controller are issued for the following periods:

licences: indefinite period;

general assessments: for a period of 12 months;

special assessments: for a period of 36 months.

The conditions concerning the required experience for attaining a licence for a flight information

provider are cancelled if the persons held, 24 months prior to the date of enforcement, a valid licence for an

air traffic controller.

The conditions concerning the required experience for attaining a licence for an aerodrome

information service officer are cancelled if the persons held, 24 months prior to the date of enforcement, a

valid licence for an air traffic controller or for a flight information provider.

The conditions for training, qualification and examination of the air traffic controller are determined

by the Regulation of the Ministry of Transport and Public Works. It determines which providers of

professional training are accredited, the requirements concerning the content of the training courses, the

curriculum, the duration and the manner of examination. The exam is composed of two parts: a theoretical

test and a practical test of the knowledge, skills and experience. The attestation of linguistic proficiency for

the English language is required.

Concerning the conditions of maintaining the validity of ratings and certifications, the following

specifications can be made:

Member States must make sure that their validity shall be extended by 12 months if the provider of

air navigation services proves that:



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a) the applicant performed the minimum number of hours to obtain the licence rights in the last

twelve months, as shown in the diagram of competence approved for the air traffic control

unit where he is exercising his profession;

b) the competence of the applicant is assessed according to the regulations in the aeronautical

field;

c) the applicant holds a valid medical certificate.

For the instructors of air traffic controllers, the validity period is of 36 months and can be extended;

The holder, at the end of a period of four years, is assessed on his competences and if the results of

the assessment are not the required ones, he has to participate in a training course in an authorised

institution.

The conditions for granting the endorsement of air traffic controller are:

The Member States and the Commission assure that the applicants (air traffic controllers) are

sufficiently trained in safety and security management;

Member States assure that the services of air traffic control are performed only by the air traffic

controllers whose authorisation was attained in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) no.

805 of 10 August 2011, laying down detailed rules for air traffic controllers’ licences and certain

certificates;

A licence is granted to any person who has the competences to practice the profession of air traffic

controller or student air traffic controller;

The authorisation must contain the following information:

a) one or more ratings if the authorisation is issued for a student air traffic controller;

b) one or more ratings and specialisations if the authorisation is issued for an air traffic

controller.

candidates for a licence must prove that they have the required competences so that they can practice

the profession of air traffic controller or student air traffic controller. The proofs must prove the

knowledge, experience, skills and language knowledge;

the licences remains the property of the person to whom it is granted and has his signature. The

Licence may be suspended if there is any doubt concerning the ability to practice the profession or in

cases of gross negligence. It can be revoked only in case of abuse;

the student licence of the air traffic controller authorises the holder to provide control services under

the supervision of an instructor from the work place;

the licence is valid for as long as the medical certificate is valid.

This rating is recognised by the Competent Authority in the Netherlands by comparing the title and

professional training level acquired by the applicant in the country of origin.



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2.2. Professional competences of air traffic controllers

ITALY

In Italy, the field of Technology Industry includes 9 subfields of activity:

Mechanics, mechatronics and energy;

Transport and logistics;

Electronics and electricals;

Information technology and communications;

Graphics and communication;

Chemistry, materials and biotechnology;

Fashion industry.

In the subfield of Transport and logistics are included the regulated professions whose training,

certification and recognition is one of the main objectives of this project.

The institutions of professional education and training in Italy are structured as in Romania, thus

identifying the following: primary schools; high schools; vocational schools; colleges; institutions of higher

education.

The skills and competences which the graduates of high schools with a technological profile (of

applied sciences) acquired are the following:

learning concepts, principles and scientific theories through practical laboratory activities;

critical analysis of phenomena, methodological reflection on experimental procedures and search for

promotion strategies of scientific discoveries;

analysis of the logical structures involved, as well as of the models used in scientific research;

understanding the role of technology as a mediator between science and everyday life;

knowledge of the operating mode of specialized tools for data analysis and modelling of specific

scientific problems.

In the Technologic institutions (similar to the technological colleges in Romania) the disciplines of

study from the curricula are divided by study fields and the duration of common courses is determined by the

Regulation elaborated by the Ministry of Education in Italy.

The courses offered by Technologic institutions in Italy provides a level of general education (core)

for all specialisations in the transport sector and a level of specialised training according to labour market

demand.

The level of general education aims to provide a basic training, by strengthening and developing the

directions of required education (mandatory), studying languages, mathematics, science and technology,

history and social sciences.



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The level of specialised training is intended to provide both theoretical and applied knowledge that

can be used in different contexts of study and work, as well as cognitive skills required to solve problems, to

know how to work based on continuous innovation activities, how to progressively assume responsibility,

how to improve performance through continuous training throughout life. Graduates of technologic

institutions in Italy qualify in the specialisations of:

construction of ships/vehicles used in the sector of air, marine, road transport;

piloting ships/vehicles in the above mentioned sectors;

using logistics in the above mentioned sectors.

The general skills and competences of technologic institutions graduates are the following:

specific technical skills and knowledge of working methods for performing functional activities

related to planning, implementing, and maintaining the efficiency of the means of work and of the

organization and logistics facilities;

knowledge of methods of traffic management and assuring service, and movement and transport

procedures, etc.

The specific skills and competences of technologic institutions graduates are the following:

accumulation of fundamental knowledge about the types of structures and components of vehicles,

in order to maintain the operating conditions provided by the standards in force in the transport

sector;

ability to work independently to solve problems arising in the control, regulation and failure of

technical systems with which the aircrafts are equipped;

ability to cooperate in planning and organizing services in transport;

use information technology to modernize production processes, being able to contribute to

innovation and adaptation of technology and of the manner of organization of the company;

be able to implement at the national level European and international standards for safety for the

means of transport for goods, services and those referring to the labour force;

to cooperate in environmental impact assessment in the direction of environmental protection and

rational use of energy.

The holder of a diploma in aeronautics issued in Italy is allowed to practice the following

professions:

civilian pilot (after he acquired the required ratings);

traffic controller (after he acquired the required ratings and was successful in the competitions

organised by the body responsible with air traffic control);

aviation assistant (after he acquired the required ratings and was successful in the competitions

organised by the body responsible with air traffic control);



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19

professor for teaching technical practices in the professional and technical institutions.

ROMANIA

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, by Ordinance no. 148/20129 appoints the

Romanian Civil Aeronautical Authority as the competent authority with the purpose of exercising the

attributions which belong to such an authority in accordance with the provisions of Commission Regulation

(EU) no. 805/201110

of 11 August 2011.

Rating of air traffic controllers11

(a) General requirements

A person undertaking a course of training for becoming an air traffic controller or a student air

traffic controller shall be sufficiently mature educationally, physically and mentally to acquire, retain and

demonstrate the relevant theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

(b) Theoretical knowledge

An air traffic controller shall acquire and maintain a level of knowledge appropriate to the functions

exercised and proportionate to the risks associated with the type of service;

Acquisition and retention of theoretical knowledge shall be demonstrated by continuous assessment

during training, or by appropriate examinations;

An appropriate level of theoretical knowledge shall be maintained. Compliance shall be

demonstrated by regular assessments or examinations. The frequency of examinations shall be

proportionate to the level of risk associated with the type of service.

(c) Practical skills

An air traffic controller shall acquire and maintain the practical skills appropriate to exercise his/her

functions. Such skills shall be proportionate to the risks associated with the type of service and shall

cover at least the following items:

operational procedures;

task specific aspects;

abnormal and emergency situations;

human factors.

An air traffic controller shall demonstrate the ability to perform the associated procedures and tasks

with a level of competence appropriate to the functions exercised;

9 Official Journal of Romania, Part I, no. 136/2012

10 OJ L.206, 11.08.2011, p.21

11 Regulation (EC) no. 216/2008 of 20.02.2008, on common rules in the field of civil aviation and establishing a European

Aviation Safety Agency, Annex Vb: Essential reguirements for ATM/ANS and air traffic controllers



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20

A satisfactory level of competence in practical skill shall be maintained. Compliance with this

requirement shall be verified by regular assessments. The frequency of these assessments shall be

proportionate to the complexity and the level of risk associated with the type of service and the tasks

performed.

(d) Language proficiency

An air traffic controller shall demonstrate proficiency in speaking and understanding English to the

extent that he/she is able to communicate effectively both in communication situations when the

interlocutor is not present (voice only: telephone/radiotelephone), as well as in the presence of the

interlocutor on concrete or work related subjects, including in emergency situations;

Whenever necessary in a defined volume of airspace for ATS service provision purposes, an air

traffic controller shall also have proficiency to speak and understand the national language

(languages) to the extent described above.

The skills required for practicing the profession of Air Traffic Controller are the following:

very good spatial orientation and vision;

good memory;

quick thinking;

ability to make the right decisions quickly;

ability to multi-task;

work well with numbers;

team spirit and able to work in shifts (day and night shifts, work during legal holidays, etc.);

able to work properly under stress, have high capacity of adapting to different situations;

very good visual and auditory acuteness;

not to use psychoactive substances which might affect his ability to work.



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NO

YES

YES YES

NO

NO

POZITIVE NEGATIVE

YES

REJECTED NO

ADMITTED

E X C E P T I O N S C H E C K

.

In the Methodology there are no stipulated exceptions

Notices

Additions

C H E C K I N G T H E F I L E C O N T E N T A N D I F M E E T I N G T H E C O N D I T I O N S

Candidates which request a licence of air traffic controller must meet the following conditions:

(a) to be at least 21 years old; however, the Member States may provide a smaller age limit in adequately justified cases; (b) to hold a

student air traffic controller licence; (c) to have completed an approved training plan within the unit and to have successfully passed

the relevant examination or assessments, in accordance with the requirements established in part B of Annex II; (d) to hold a valid

medical certificate; (e) to have proven an adequate level of linguistic proficiency level in accordance with the requirements

established in Article 13.

c)Sa aibă o activitate de minimum 4 ani ca şef de proiect in cadrul unei unităţi specializate autorizate sa execute lucrări de amenajare

a pădurilor.

START

APPLICANT

A T T E S T A T I O N C O M I S S I O N

The examination commission will be appointed in compliance with the norms in force, being proposed by the Deputy General

Operations Director (ROMATSA) and approved by the Human Resources General Manager within the Central Administration, who will prepare the decision in this regard. The number of the members of the commission will be determined according to the

number of candidates who will be tested, part of which will be:

a - a representative of ROMATSA, accredited by EUROCONTROL, which is authorised to administer the FEAST test;

b - a representative of ROMATSA, who is authorised to interpret the results of the tested candidates using FEAST.

F I L E S U B M I S S I O N T O T H E A T T E S T A T I O N C O M I S S I O N

For each candidate who will be examined, for licensing, a file shall be compiled which must contain the following

documents:

a) contest entry form and options form; b) ID copy; c) criminal record; d) copies attesting the education and

professional training (at least a baccalaureate diploma); d) copy of the employment records, if applicable; e) a

document attesting to the type of air traffic controller licence held, issued by AACR; f) a valid class III

medical certificate issued by an institution recognised by NSA-AACR;

g) valid radiotelephonist certificate, if applicable.

Are there documents

issued in another MS ?

CHECK THROUGH THE IMI SYSTEM

Answer of CA of

MS?

Is the condition met?

D E R O G A T I O N C H E C K

COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) NO. 805/2011 of

10 August 2011, Art. 31, paragraphs (1), (2) and (3)

(OJ L.206, 11.08.2011, p. 32)

Are the conditions met?

DOCUMENT LEGALITY CHECK

EXAM BEFORE THE ATTESTATION COMMITTEE

Exam result?

Applicant appeal

2 1

Is the condition met?

Informing the applicant

3

Denies the grant of a licence

STOP



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Admitted Rejected

Fig. 1. Logical scheme of a confirmation and certification of competencies procedure for attaining the air

traffic controller licence

1 2

Obtaining an air traffic

controller licence

Entry in the Record Book

of AACR

Practicing the profession:

air traffic controller

APPEALS COMMISION 1. Within 3 days from the date of notification of the competition results,

the applicants may submmit apeals with the CA registry of ROMATSA.

2. Appeals will be resolved within 30 days from their submmision by a

commission established by the CA ROMATSA.

3. The decision of the commission is final.

Appeal result

3

DUTIES OF THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS

a) make every effort to prevent any deed/act that might endanger the safety of air traffic, the life

of the personnel or of the passengers on board the aircraft; b) to know and to correctly apply the

civilian aeronautic procedures, instructions, norms and regulations applicable to the air traffic

control and information activity which he performs; c) to know and to comply with the

requirements of flight quality and safety established for the air traffic control activity performed;

d) to go to the mandatory medical examinations.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER ACTIVITY MONITORING

RACR-LCTA including "Air traffic controllers

licencing" The validity of the ratings and endorsements entered on ATC

licences will be maintained through an authorised continuous training, which consists of the required training for

maintaining ATC skills, recurring training courses, emergency

situations training and, if needed, linguistic competences training. Continuous training consists of theoretical and

practical courses, as well as simulation training. For this

purpose, the training body determines the schemes/programmes of competence at the unit level, which

state in detail the processes, human resources and duration

required for assuring the appropriate continuous training and for checking the competences. These programmes/schemes

will be revised and approved at least once every 3 years.

LOSS OF VALIDITY OF THE LICENCE

(COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) NO. 805/2011 of 10

August 2011 (OJ L.206, 11.08.2011, p. 25))

(a) the licence, the ratings or endorsements may be

suspended when the competence of the air traffic

controller is in doubt or in the case of misconduct;

(b) the licence may be revoked in the case of gross

negligence or abuse.

c) the holder of the licence was declared medically

and/or psychologically unfit.



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III. PROCESSES OF RECOGNITION OF QUALIFICATIONS ATTAINED IN OTHER

MEMBER STATES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

The freedom of movement of persons was one of the main objectives of the Common Market,

created through the Treaty of Rome12

of 1957 (the freedom of establishment, the free movement of services,

and the free movement of people being fundamental principles of this treaty).

The general system of recognition of professional qualifications is based on the following

principles:

The principle of mutual trust between Member States of the European Union;

The absence of harmonization in professional training for practicing the profession in question. Each

Member State will decide the access or lack of access to practice the profession on its territory, and the

content and level of training for practicing the profession in question;

The existence of counter-available measures when there are significant differences between the contents

of the professional training in different Member States. The rule is as follows: no Member State can

refuse the access to a regulated profession on its territory to European Union citizens, who are fully

qualified to practice this profession in another Member State, and this, regardless of the differences

among the two states (interpretation of the mutual trust principle). If these differences are "substantial",

the competent authorities from the host Member State may complete the recognition after the applicant

passes an aptitude test or completes a trial period (adaptation period, boarding service, apprenticeship).

The assessment process must be impartial and the evaluation mechanisms must be designed in such a

manner as to avoid any type of conflict or interest, including by a high professionalization of the assessors.

Defining these principles must avoid the standardisation of measures between different European states,

which would conflict with the objectives of the Bruges-Copenhagen process, and the contrast with the

adoption of top-down approaches.

In order to improve the gaps between the different European systems of recognition of qualifications

we must:

Ensure the quality, and through it the trust in the confirmation process, trying, in the same time, to

create links between the different systems of confirmation of professional qualifications;

Consult the norms and principles already existent at the national and international level (for example:

the EN 45013/ISO 17024 norms).

12

Treaty of Rome refers to the Treaty through which the European Economic Community (EEC) was established

and was signed by France, West Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium and Luxemburg on March 1957.

http://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comunitatea_Economic%C4%83_European%C4%83

http://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fran%C8%9Ba

http://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxemburg

http://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/25_martie

http://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/1957



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3.1. ITALY

In Italy, the transposition of Directive 2005/36/EC, of 7 September 2005, on the recognition of

professional qualifications, into the national legislation, was done by Legislative Decree13

no. 206 of 6

November 2007 (Decreto Legislativo 6 novembre 2007, n. 206: Attuazione della direttiva 2005/36/CE

relativa al riconoscimento delle qualifiche professionali, nonche' della direttiva 2006/100/CE che adegua

determinate direttive sulla libera circolazione delle persone a seguito dell'adesione di Bulgaria e Romania).

Thus, professions in Italy are divided into two categories:

Unregulated professions – may be practiced by any citizen who holds a qualification diploma for

that profession issued by a EU Member State;

Regulated professions – are professions whose practice on the territory of Italy is regulated by the

national legislation, which determined the professional title and education level required, as well as

the rules of professional ethics. These professions may be practiced on the territory of Italy only by

the certified persons according to the norms specific to the profession in question. If the professional

title was attained in another state, for the lawful practice of the profession in question, the

recognition is required of the professional qualification by the Italian competent authority.

Under Legislative Decree no. 206 of 2007, were determined the conditions which must be met by

the citizens of the Member States of the European Union in order to practice on the territory of Italy

regulated professions for which they are qualified in their own Member State of origin.

The procedure of recognition of diplomas issued in the European Union space, for those wishing to

perform their activity permanently in Italy has particularities specific to each profession.

The holder of a diploma attained in an EU Member State, may attain the recognition of his right to

practice the profession in question in Italy, upon submission of a request and of the documents required by

the competent authorities.

THE COMPETENT AUTHORITY

The Competent Authority in Italy for the recognition of diplomas for the regulated profession of air

traffic controller is ENAC – Italian Civil Aviation Authority (Ente Nazionale per l’Aviazione Civile).

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

In the case of regulated professions in the country where the diploma was attained, the applicant

shall submit the following documents:

certificate or attestation issued by the competent authority in the country of origin, showing that the

diploma in question authorises, in the country of origin, the practice of the profession of the

applicant;

13

Gazzetta Ufficiale n. 261 del 9 novembre 2007 – Supplemento ordinario n. 228.



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25

the detailed curriculum of studies specifying the number of hours allotted to each discipline, their

syllabus content, the number of hours of practice completed. All these informations are issued by the

professional training institution which issued the diploma;

certificate which attests the activity performed in the country of origin or of provenance, from the

time of attaining the diploma for which the recognition is requested (in Italy, practicing the

profession before the recognition of the diploma by the Ministry of Justice is a violation of the law);

certificate which attests the completion of some traineeship periods, of some specialisation courses

or attainment of other diplomas.

In the case of unregulated professions in the country of origin, the applicant shall submit the

following documents:

documents which attest the full time practice of the profession in question for 2 years during the last

10 years in the country where the diploma was obtained;

the detailed curriculum of studies specifying the number of hours allotted to each discipline, their

syllabus content, the number of hours of practice completed. All these informations are issued by the

professional training institution which issued the diploma;

certificate which attests the completion of some traineeship periods, of some specialisation courses

or attainment of other diplomas;

a photocopy of all the documents mentioned;

the list with all the submitted documents, signed by the applicant.

All the documents written in the Romanian language must be accompanied by their translation into

the Italian language, translation which shall be certified by the Italian Diplomatic or Consular Authority in

the country which issued the diploma, or by an official translator of an Italian court house. EU citizens may

submit the documents, in accordance with the law (Decreto del Presidente della Repubblica 28 dicembre

2000, n. 445 – Disposizioni legislative in materia di documentazione amministrativa. (Testo A))14

, as a

simple copy, together with the statement replacing the notary authorisation, completed according to the

guidelines included in it. The administration will randomly check the veracity of the statement mentioned.

The original documents may be subsequently withdrawn by the person concerned or mandated, on the

completion of the procedure of recognition of the diploma.

The deadline for assessing the file for the recognition of the diplomas which certify a certain

professional training is provided by the EU and national legislation (in Italy) and shall not exceed three

months.

14

Gazzetta Ufficiale n. 42 del 20 febbraio 2001 – Supplemento ordinario n. 30.



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26

On first provision of services, or when a change occurs in the status certified by the documents, the

above mentioned documents will be also accompanied by:

a certificate or a copy of a document which certifies the nationality of the provider;

a certificate issued by the competent authority which certifies that the holder is lawfully residing in a

Member State, that he practices the activities in question or that he is denied the right to practice,

permanently or temporarily, at the moment of issuance of the certificate;

a document certifying the professional ratings;

a document attesting the full time practice of the profession in question for 2 years during the last 10

years in the country where the diploma was obtained.

The mutual recognition of European Union licences must be carried out so that:

not to prejudice the conditions imposed by ENAC on issuing licences, ratings, certifications, and

linguistic proficiencies in relation to those issued by the national authority of a Member State, in

accordance with Regulation (EU) no. 805/2011. The same requirements must remain into force also

for issuing the medical certificate for apprentiship, on the condition that the holders shall be at least

21 years of age for air traffic controllers;

the holder of a permit issued by another state, in accordance with this Directive, who must exercise

his profession in the flight regions which are under Italian responsibility, has the right to change his

permit with a licence in Italy, without imposing any conditions upon him, except for the conditions

imposed for holding the linguistic proficiency certificate.

The conversion of national licences is thus achieved:

those who at the time of entry into force of this Decree must hold a licence for practicing the

profession of air traffic controller, in accordance with the existent national procedures, have the right

to attain the conversion of this authorisation to one of the licences provided in this Legislative

Decree15

, based on the performed activity and the manner determined by ENAC;

those who at the time of entry into force of this Decree fulfil positions equivalent to those of

operational instructor, examiner and assessor for a provider of air traffic services or for a training

organisation, have the right to acquire the specialisation.

Sanctions :

with the exception of cases when the deed constitutes a criminal offense, anyone who acts as an air

traffic controller or student air traffic controller without an adequate licence or with a suspended or

revoked permit, is punishable with a fine of 3000 - 10000 Euro;

with the exception of cases when the deed constitutes a criminal offense, the holder of an air traffic

controller or a student air traffic controller licence who offers services different from those of air

15

Legislative Decree no. 206 of 6 November 2007 (Decreto Legislativo 6 novembre 2007, n. 206)



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27

traffic control which he may exercise due to his ratings or licence attestations which he holds is

punishable with a fine ranging between 2500 - 9000 Euro;

with the exception of cases when the deed constitutes a criminal offense, , the holder of an air traffic

controller or a student air traffic controller licence who fills the position of an on duty air traffic

controller, without attaining the required medical certification is punishable with a fine ranging

between 2000 - 10000 Euro;

with the exception of cases when the deed constitutes a criminal offense, , the holder of an air traffic

controller or a student air traffic controller licence who does not manage to inform his employer of a

change in his medical fitness or of being under the influence of any psychoactive substances or

medicines which might render him unable to adequately and safely exercise the duties relevant to his

licence, is punishable with a fine of 3000 – 12000 Euro;

with the exception of cases when the deed constitutes a criminal offense, any hiring of a person for

the activity of education or professional training of student controllers or of air traffic controllers, in

the absence of ENAC certification, is punishable with a fine ranging from 25000 - 50000 Euro;

with the exception of cases when the deed constitutes a criminal offense, the air traffic control

provider who employs an air traffic controller or a student air traffic controller who has no licence or

in contradiction with the ratings or specialisations on the licences is punishable with a fine raging

between 50000 - 100000 Euro.

3.2. THE NETHERLANDS

In the Netherlands, professional qualifications are attained through some exams which certify each

person’s competences, in accordance with the Act of 7 April 2005 amending the Act on education and

implementation of the terms of professional qualification and training (Stb. 2005, 203; wet experimenten).

In this regard, specific courses of training were implemented and after their completion the individuals will

attain the required professional competences for practicing a profession16

.

Until August 2010, a period of 2 years of trials passed concerning the development of professional

qualifications based on competences as well as their improvement through continuous training.

For the persons who cannot cope with an exam through which they can certify their competences, the

Dutch state provided in its legislation the possibility that those persons will attain the competences through

their proven experience in the workplace (see the experiences with AKA training of the two levels of

professional training).

The process of recognition of professional qualifications in the Netherlands is presented in the

scheme from the following figure:

16

https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/kst-32316-3.html




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YES NO

NO

YES

or

YES NO NO YES

Are you an EU / EEA emigrant, with a qualification in EU / EEA,

who wishes to work in the Netherlands

Is your profession

regulated in the

Netherlands?

You have unrestricted

access to the labour

market

You need to obtain approval to

pursue the profession

Are you qualified

for the same

profession in

your own

country?

Directive 2005/36/EC is

not applicable

Do you wish to provide temporary

services?

Do you wish to establish yourself

professionally in the Netherlands?

Is the profession or

programme

regulated in your

country, or do you

have at least 2 years

of professional

experience within

the last 10 years?

Are you a medical

doctor, nurse,

dentist, veterinary

surgeon, midwife,

pharmacist, or

architect?

2 Directive

2005/36/EC is not

applicable

1 The principle of

automatic recognition

of the profession is

applicable



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NO YES

NO YES

NO YES

YES NO

NO

YES

NO YES

Fig. 3. The process of recognition of professional qualifications if the Netherlands

17 (flowchart)

17

Own draft according to: www.nuffic.nl/en/diploma-recognition/professional-recognition

Are you a medical

doctor, nurse,

dentist, veterinary

surgeon, midwife,

pharmacist, or

architect?

Are there

substantial

differences with

regard to public

health or safety

between your

programme and

the required one?

Is there a

difference of more

than 1 level

between your

qualification and

the required one?

You are free to

provide temporary

services

You must pass an

aptitude test

You are free to

provide temporary

services

Your programme will be

compared to the programme

required in the Netherlands

for practising the profession

Directive

2005/36/EC is not

applicable

Is your

programme 1 or

more years

shorter, or are

there substantial

differences in

content?

You have been

approved

You must either pass

an aptitude test or

undergo an adaptation

period

1

Are there any risks

with regard to

public health or

safety involved in

your profession?

You are free to

provide

temporary

services

Is the profession or

programme regulated in

your country, or do you

have at least 2 years of

relevant professional

experience within the

last 10 years?

Directive

2005/36/EC is

not applicable

2

http://www.nuffic.nl/en/diploma-recognition/professional-recognition



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Mutual recognition of air traffic controller licences:

Each Member State, in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) no. 805 of 10 August 2011

laying down detailed rules for air traffic controllers’ licences and certain certificates, recognises the

licences and related qualifications issued by the national supervisory authorities in another Member

State;

For recognition, the applicant shall submit to the national supervisory authorities a file with

documents showing the unit, sector, or work place where he served, professional training, as well as

the air navigation provider where he had his training instruction and where he acquired his

competences and experience. The national authority, namely, the Dutch Aviation Authority, shall

help the applicant with the equivalence of his studies of the profession in question in order to

practice it on the territory of the Netherlands;

if the applicant is a citizen of a third country and he has a valid licence or permit or a military

licence attained in another Member State, the national supervisory authority shall meet the

applicant’s wish to practice the profession on the territory of the Netherlands. Upon assessment of

the equivalence of the permit, the attained competences will be taken into account in accordance

with international standards;

within four weeks at most from the submission of proofs (subject to a possible appeal the period is

increased), the national supervisory authorities make a decision concerning the recognition or lack

thereof of the unit where the training of the air traffic controller (applicant) took place, or they

propose training periods for the applicant for the equivalence of their studies/period of experience.

In accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) no. 805/2011 of 10 August 2011 laying down

detailed rules for air traffic controllers’ licences and certain certificates pursuant to Regulation (EC) no.

216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council, the following have been determined:

Member States recognise air traffic controller and student air traffic controller licences, ratings,

rating endorsements, and language proficiency endorsements, as well as the related medical

certificates issued by other Member States in accordance with this regulation. Nevertheless, if a

Member State provided for an age limit smaller than 21 years of age, the right of the holder of the

air traffic controller licence to practice the related privileges is limited to the territory of the Member

State which issued the licence until such time as the holder turns 21 years of age. When the holder

of a licence practices the privileges related to the licence in a Member State other than the one where

the licence in question was issued, the holder of the licence has the right to exchange the licence with

a licence issued by the Member State where he practices his privileges, without additional conditions

being imposed. When determining the training plan within the unit, the training organisation shall

duly take into account the acquired competences and the experience of the applicant;



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The competent authority approves or rejects the training plan within the unit which contains the

training proposal for the applicant, within maximum six weeks from the submission of proof,

without prejudice to the delay resulting from a potential appeal procedure. The competent authority

ensures the compliance with principles of non-discrimination and proportionality.

Next are a few details about the authorisation of training providers for the profession of air traffic

controller:

These training centres offer instruction for air traffic controllers in the Community and must be

authorised by the national supervisory authorities;

the requirements for authorisation refer to the technical, operational, and pedagogic competence as

well as to the efficient ability of organising training courses in accordance with the imposed

requirements;

the requests for authorisation shall be submitted to the national supervisory authorities in the state in

question, where the applicant is. The national supervisory authorities issue a certificate when the

above specified requirements are fulfilled. The certificates may be issued for each type of training;

the certificates specify the rights and duties of professional training providers;

the national surveillance authorities monitor the compliance with the requirements and conditions

related to attaining the authorisation. If a national regulation authority finds that the holder of an

endorsement no longer fulfils the requirements or conditions, it shall take appropriate measures of

revocation of the endorsement;

any Member State of the EU must recognise the endorsements issued.

3.3. ROMANIA

The initial training will ensure that all student air traffic controllers satisfy at least the objectives for

basic and rating training, described in Eurocontrol’s „Guidelines for air traffic controller Common Core

Content Initial Training “, edition of 21 October 200818

, so that air traffic controllers shall be capable of

handling the air traffic in a safe, quick and efficient manner.

Initial training will cover the following subjects: aviation law, air traffic management, including

procedures for civilian-military cooperation, meteorology, navigation, aircraft and principles of flight,

including a good understanding between the air traffic controller and the pilot, human factors, equipment

and systems, professional environment, safety and safety culture, safety management systems,

unusual/emergency situations, degraded systems, linguistic knowledge, including radiotelephony

phraseology.

18

Edition 1.0, Date of issue: 21.10.2008, refference no.: EUROCONTROL-SPEC-0113



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The initial training will consist of practical and theoretical courses, including simulations, and its

duration shall be determined by the approved plans of initial training. The acquired competences shall

guarantee the fact that the candidate in question may be considered competent in managing situations of

complex and dense traffic, thus facilitating the transition to training within the unit.

During the training within the unit, air traffic controllers are properly prepared in terms of security,

safety, and crisis management.

The training plans within the unit present in detail their stages and duration which are required for

applying the local procedures in the unit under the supervision of an on-the-job training instructor.

The acquired competences will be assessed by proper exams or through a system of continuous

assessment, by the authorised examiners or assessors of competences who shall be objective and impartial.

Authorised continuous training of air traffic controllers is the necessary training for maintaining

the acquired competences, updating them, acquiring and forming new competences (including linguistic).

Continuous training consists, just as training within the unit, of theoretical and practical courses, as well as of

simulations. To this end, the training centre, approved by the Competent Authority, determines the curricula

for the continuous training (which will be revised at least once every three years), presenting the used

procedures, the resources involved (human and material), as well as the optimum duration for ensuring a

proper continuous training and of an objective assessment of competences.

The licensing system of air traffic controllers contains the issuing and renewal requirements and

procedures of rating documents which authorise the ATC personnel to provide air traffic services in

Romania.

Licensing ATC (Air Traffic Controller) personnel represents one of the methods through which the

AACR19

(Romanian Civil Aeronautical Authority) assures the maintenance of flight safety, ensuring thus

that all the personnel involved shall be properly authorised. The RAC-LCTA20

Regulation contains the

necessary requirements for licensing this category of aeronautical personnel.

Examination requests shall be completed in the Romanian language and sent to the AACR by the

aeronautics agent, directly, by mail or by fax, at least 24 days before the examination date.

The applicants will complete only the first page of the examination request, as the second page

contains the disciplines corresponding to the type of examination held (initial issuing, renewal).

19

http://www.caa.ro/licente-personal/controlori-de-trafic.html 20

Licensing procedures of the air traffic control and guidance personnel (RAC-LCTA, aproved by Decision of the

General Director AACR no. D 155 of 10.08.1994).

http://www.caa.ro/licente-personal/controlori-de-trafic.html



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Minimum requirements:

age: 18 - 20 years of age;

experience: specific training course, approved by the AACR and 3 months of practical experience in

a ATC unit;

medical certificate: Class III.

Recognition of licences on European Union territory

The licence introduced by Commission Regulation (EU) no. 805 of 10 August 2011 laying down

detailed rules for air traffic controllers’ licences and certain certificates, proved to be an effective

instrument towards the recognition of the specific role which the air traffic controllers play in conducting air

traffic control in secure conditions. Establishing the rating standards at the European Union level reduced the

fragmentation in this field, which allowed a more efficient organisation of the activity within a regional

cooperation, which is more and more extensive, among the providers of air navigational services.

Consequently, preserving and enhancing the common scheme of issuing licences for air traffic controllers in

the European Union is an essential element of the European air traffic control system.

Directive 2006/23/EC was repealed by Regulation (EC) no. 1108/200921

of the European

Parliament and of the Council, amending Regulation (EC) no. 216/2008. Nevertheless, the provisions of

Directive 2006/23/EC continue to be applied until the date of application of the measures mentioned in

Article 8c paragraph (10) of Regulation (EC) no. 216/2008. The said measures are provided for in the present

Regulation.

Member States recognise licences of air traffic controllers and of student air traffic controllers,

ratings, rating endorsements, and language proficiency endorsements pertaining to these, as well as the

related medical certificates issued by other Member States in accordance to Article 29, Commission

Regulation (EU) no. 805/201122

of 10 August 2011. Nevertheless, when a Member State provides an age

limit less than 21 years based on Article 9 paragraph (3), the right of the holder of the licence of air traffic

controller to exercise related privileges is limited to the territory of the Member State which issued the

licence until the moment when the holder of the licence reaches the age of 21. When the holder of a licence

exercises privileges associated with the licence in a Member State different from that where the licence

concerned was issued, the holder of the licence has the right to exchange it with a licence issued by the

Member State where the privileges were exercised (host), without imposing additional conditions.

21

OJ L.309, 24.11..2009, p. 51-70 22

OJ L.206, 11.08.2011, p. 32



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3.4. SOLVIT

SOLVIT23

is a problem solving network, in which Member States of the EU work together to solve,

without using legal proceedings, problems caused by the misapplication of Internal Market law, by public

authorities. SOLVIT deals with cross-border problems between a business or a citizen on the one hand and a

public authority on the other, where there is possible misapplication of EU law. The policy areas SOLVIT

has most frequently dealt with are:

Recognition of Professional ratings and diplomas;

Access to education;

Residence permits;

Voting rights;

Social security;

Employment rights;

Driving licences;

Motor vehicle registration;

Border controls;

Market access for products;

Market access for services;

Establishment as self-employed;

Public procurement;

Taxation;

Free movement of capital or payments.

Below, are presented the national SOLVIT Centres, of Member States of the European Union which

were analysed:

Table 2. National SOLVIT Centres 24

Member State of the

European Union SOLVIT Centre Contacts

Czech Republic

Odbor vnitřního trhu a služeb EU,

Ministerstvo průmyslu a obchodu Na

Františku 32 CZ - 11015 Praha 1,

Phone: +420 22 422 1701

Fax. +420 22 485 3079, [email protected]

Barbora Hanáková

Zuzana Bakotová

Tomáš Stehlík

23

http://ec.europa.eu/solvit/site 24

http://ec.europa.eu/solvit/site/centres


http://ec.europa.eu/solvit/site




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Continuation of table 2

Member State of the


Denmark

Danish Business Authority

(Internal Market Centre)

Langelinie Allé 17 DK - 2100 Copenhagen,

Phone: +45 35 46 62 00 (the hotline)

Tel. +45 35 46 66 16

Phone: +45 35 46 66 73, [email protected]

Jens Kasper Rasmussen

Sofie Freilev

Karin Kragshave

Kristian Yde Agerbo

Germany

Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft

und Technologie, Scharnhorststr. 34-37

DE - 10115 Berlin, Fax. +49 3018 615 5379

[email protected]

Lisa Teichmann

Spain

SOLVIT - España

Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores y de

Cooperación, Serrano Galvache 26

ES - 28033 Madrid, Phone: +34 91 379 9999

Fax. +34 91 394 8684, [email protected]

Ana Iglesias

Ana María Hernández

Javier Pascual Pontones

Italy

Presidenza Consiglio Ministri

Dipartimento Politiche Comunitarie, Piazza

Nicosia 20, IT - 00186 Roma,

Phone: +39 06 677 95 844

Fax. +39 06 677 95 044,

[email protected]

Giuseppina VALENTE

Francesco CIPRI

Massimo SANTORELLI

Netherlands

SOLVIT Nederland

Ministerie van Economische Zaken,

Landbouw en Innovatie

Bezuidenhoutseweg 30, Postbus 20101

NL - 2500 EC Den Haag,

Phone: +31 70 379 7708

Fax. +31 70 379 7014

[email protected]

Koen van Ginneken

Austria

Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft,

Familie und Jugend, SOLVIT Center,

Abteilung C1/2, Stubenring 1

AT - 1010 Wien, Tel. +43 1 71100-5119

Phone: +43 1 71100 - 5293

Phone: +43 1 71100-5187

Fax. +43 1 71100-2207

[email protected]

Sylvia Vana

Alexandra Gaudmann-

Heber

Christian Müller









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Continuation of table 2

Member State of the


Portugal

Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros,

Direcção Geral dos Assuntos Europeus

Serviço do Mercado Interno, Rua Cova da

Moura, 1, PT - 1350-115 Lisboa,

Phone: +351 21 393 57 53; +351 21 393 57 50

+351 21 393 55 54; Fax. +351 21 393 57 98

[email protected]

Rosarinho MELANCIA

Mafalda DE SIQUEIRA

Romania

Ministry of European Affairs,

Government of Romania

Bvd. Aviatorilor nr. 50A, Sector 1,

Bucharest 011854,

Phone: +40 21 308 53 40; +4021 308 53 71;

+40 37 410 45 23; Fax. +40 21 308 53 96

[email protected]

Romulus BENA

Karina STAN

Ramona-Maria CIUCĂ

IV. THE PRACTICE OF THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER IN THE EU

The air traffic controller supervises and organises the movement of airplanes in the air, while

landing and on the ground, by using radar equipment and radio communications. These work in the airports

(air traffic control tower), in the control centres of air traffic in cooperation with the members of the crew for

assuring the rapid flow of air traffic. Some of them are specialised in general air traffic control beyond the

limits of the airports, others specialise in detecting aircraft that actually violate national airspace.

The air traffic controller must communicate with the pilots by radio, to solve different situations in

the air traffic, to give the necessary information to the pilot onboard the aircraft, as well as to the shift

manager of the air traffic control, to give orders and permissions for take-off, landing, flight at certain

altitudes, etc. In order to fulfil the particularly important and strategic mission which the air traffic

controllers play in conducting air traffic control safely, they have at hand the computerised technology,

radio receivers and transmitters, radar and control panel with a tracking screen.

Practicing the privileges awarded by a licence depends upon the validity of the ratings,

endorsements and of the medical certificate.

Holders of a licence of air traffic controller are authorised to provide air traffic control services in

accordance with their ratings and rating endorsements on their licence.

Licences of air traffic controller include one or more of the following ratings, in order to the type

of services which the licence holder may provide:





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(a) Aerodrome Control Visual (ADV) rating, which shall indicate that the holder of the licence is

competent to provide air traffic control service to aerodrome traffic at an aerodrome that has no published

instrument approach or departure procedures;

(b) Aerodrome Control Instrument (ADI) rating, which shall indicate that the holder of the licence is

competent to provide 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 Article 11 paragraph (1);

(c) Approach Control Procedural (APP) rating, which shall indicate that the holder of the licence is

competent to provide air traffic control service to arriving, departing or transiting aircraft without the use of

surveillance equipment;

(d) Approach Control Surveillance (APS) rating, which shall indicate that the holder of the licence is

competent to provide air traffic control service to arriving, departing or transiting aircraft, with the use of

surveillance equipment and shall be accompanied by at least one of the rating endorsements described in

Article 11 paragraph (2);

(e) Area Control Procedural (ACP) rating, which shall indicate that the holder of the licence is competent

to provide air traffic control service to aircraft, without the use of surveillance equipment;

(d) Area Control Surveillance (ACS) rating, which shall indicate that the holder of the licence is competent

to provide air traffic control service to aircraft, with the use of surveillance equipment and shall be

accompanied by at least one of the rating endorsements described in Article 11 paragraph (3).

In order to practice the profession of: air traffic controller, the national (the applicant) shall

participate in an examination/competition which shall include the following eliminatory stages:

A medical visit carried out in an institution authorised by the Competent Authority in the state in

question (in Romania: the National Institute of Aeronautical and Space Medicine Bucharest (INMAS))

for attaining a Class 3 medical certification, which shall include also a chest X-ray exam. The costs of

the medical visit shall be covered by the applicant;

Assessment test of English language knowledge (listening, comprehension, speaking). Applicants

declared “ADMITTED” following the medical visit shall participate. During the test - the speaking

phase - the diction of the applicant will also be checked;

The EUROCONTROL test in English First European Air Traffic Controller Selection Test

(FEAST) which will be held in accordance with the recommendations set by EUROCONTROL

(European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation), as holder of the test. Applicants declared

“ADMITTED” following the assessment test of English language knowledge.

Interview - applicants declared “ADMITTED” following the FEAST test (in Romania, knowledge of

the Romanian language is mandatory).



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The Competent Authority may be the same body or bodies designated or established in accordance

with Article 4 of Regulation (EC) no. 549/200425

of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10

March 2004 laying down the framework for the creation of the single European sky, amended by

Regulation (EC) no. 1070/200926

. The European Aviation Safety Agency – AESA27

must act, as the

Competent Authority for the purpose of this Regulation, towards issuing and renewing the certificates of the

training organisations for air traffic controllers which are outside the territory of the Member States and, if

needed, of their personnel.

In accordance with the Act on the status of the civilian air traffic controller in Romania, section 2,

Art. 32, air traffic controllers, have the following duties:

Make every effort to prevent any deed/act that might endanger the safety of air traffic, the life of the

personnel or of the passengers on board the aircraft;

To inform the Air Traffic Unit management, in accordance with the provisions of Article 34,

paragraph (1) of this Act, of any irregularity, misconduct or deficiencies in the activity of handling,

control and/or information which could result in jeopardizing air traffic safety;

To participate in the professional training and improvement courses organised by the employer, as

well as by other institutions especially authorised;

To know and to correctly apply the civilian aeronautic procedures, instructions, norms and

regulations applicable to the air traffic control and information activity which he/she performs;

To know and to comply with the requirements of flight quality and safety established for the air

traffic control activity performed;

To comply with the work and rest time limits established by the applicable regulations;

To go to the mandatory medical examinations;

To inform the competent authorities concerning situations where the labour conditions, the work

environment or any other measures applied affect or may affect and adversely influence the activity

of air traffic management, control and/or information;

Not to use and not be under the influence of alcoholic beverages on the job;

Not to use hallucinogenic or psychotropic substances;

Not to exercise any of the duties by virtue of the CTA Licence when his/her physical or mental

health is diminished to an extent that could affect the quality and safety with which he/she provides

the services of air traffic management, control and/or information and to inform his/her employer

about his/her unfitness;

25

OJ L 96, 31.03.2004, p. 10 26

OJ L 300, 14.11.2009, p. 34 - 50 27

OJ L 240, 07.09.2002, p. 1 - 21



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To preserve professional confidentiality according to the law.

CONCLUSIONS

Directive 2006/23/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2006 on

Community air traffic controller licence, was repealed by Regulation (EC) no. 1108/2009 of the

European Parliament and of the Council, however, the provisions of this Directive continue to be applied

until the date of application of the measures mentioned in Article 8c paragraph (10) of Regulation (EC) no.

216/2008.

The licence introduced by Commission Regulation (UE) no. 805 of 10 August 2011 laying down

detailed rules for air traffic controllers’ licences and certain certificates pursuant to Regulation (EC) no.

216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council has proven to be an efficient instrument for the

recognition of the specific role which the air traffic controllers play in safely conducting air traffic control.

Member States recognise licences of air traffic controller and of student air traffic controller, the

ratings, rating endorsements and language proficiency endorsements related to these, as well as the related

medical certificates issued by other Member States in accordance with Article 29, Commission Regulation

(EU) no. 805/2011 of 10 August 2011, laying down detailed rules for air traffic controllers’ licences and

certain certificates pursuant to Regulation (EC) no. 216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

Practicing the privileges acquired through a licence of air traffic controller depends on the validity

of the ratings, of the certifications and of the medical certificate, held by the applicant. When a licence

holder practices the privileges related to the licence in a Member State different than that where the licence

in question was issued, he has the right to exchange the licence with one issued by the Member State where

the privileges are practiced (host), without imposing additional requirements. Establishing proficiency

standards at the European Union level reduced the fragmentation in this field, allowing a more efficient

organization of the activity in an increasing regional collaboration between air navigation service providers.

Maintaining and strengthening the common system of issuing air traffic controller licences in the European

Union is an essential element of the European air traffic control system.



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BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Directive 2006/23/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2006, on Community

air traffic controller licence OJ L 114, p. 22, Special edition, 07/vol. 15, p. 196;

2. Regulation (EC) no. 216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of 20 February 2008,

on common rules in the field of civil aviation and establishing a European Aviation Safety Agency;

3. Regulation (EC) no. 1108/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009

amending Regulation (EC) no. 216/2008 in the field of aerodromes, air traffic management and air

navigation services and repealing Directive 2006/23/EC, OJ L 309, 24.11.2009, p. 51 – 70;

4. Commission Regulation (EU) no. 805 of 10 August 2011 laying down detailed rules for air traffic

controllers’ licences and certain certificates pursuant to Regulation (EC) no. 216/2008 of the European

Parliament and of the Council;

5. Regulation no. 550 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2004, on the provision

of air navigation services in the single European sky (the service provision Regulation), OJ L 96,

31.03.2004, p. 239 – 248;

6. Decreto legislativo n. 206 del 6 novembre 2007, G.U. n. 261 del 9 novembre 2007, Suppl. Ordinario n.

228 (Attuazione della direttiva 2005/36/CE relativa al riconoscimento delle qualifiche professionali,

nonche' della direttiva 2006/100/CE che adegua determinate direttive sulla libera circolazione delle

persone a seguito dell'adesione di Bulgaria e Romania);

7. OMTI no. 148/2012, on measures of implementation of Commission Regulation (EU) no. 805/2011

laying down detailed rules for air traffic controllers’ licences and certain certificates pursuant to

Regulation (EC) no. 216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Official Journal of

Romania, Part I, no. 136/2012;

8. Licensing procedures of the air traffic control and guidance personnel (RAC-LCTA, approved by the

Decision of the General Director AACR no. D 155 of 10.08.1994);

9. Guidelines concerning the common core curricula for initial training of air traffic controllers,

Edition 1.0, Date of issue: 21.10.2008, reference no.: EUROCONTROL-SPEC-0113;

10. Decreto del Presidente della Repubblica 28 dicembre 2000, n. 445 – Disposizioni legislative in

materia di documentazione amministrativa. (Testo A), Gazzetta Ufficiale n. 42 del 20 febbraio 2001 –

Supplemento ordinario n. 30;



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11. http://ec.europa.eu/solvit/site;

12. http://ec.europa.eu/solvit/site/centres;

13. www.nuffic.nl/en/diploma-recognition/professional-recognition;

14. http://www.caa.ro/licente-personal/controlori-de-trafic.html;

15. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/kst-32316-3.html.

http://ec.europa.eu/solvit/site


http://www.nuffic.nl/en/diploma-recognition/professional-recognition

http://www.caa.ro/licente-personal/controlori-de-trafic.html


Documents

Air traffic controller