Air Traffic Control Service

This page provides an overview of the CAAs role in regulating the United Kingdom Air Traffic Control Service.

An ATC service is provided according to the particular circumstances and class of airspace, for the purpose of preventing collisions between aircraft in the air, assisting in preventing collisions between aircraft moving on the apron and the manoeuvring area, assisting in preventing collisions between aircraft and obstructions on the manoeuvring area and expediting and maintaining an orderly flow of air traffic.

ATC Services are subject to the Single European Sky Regulations and EASA related Regulations which together include Certification, Designation and Interoperability.

For reference purposes, the Air Traffic Services Outside Controlled Airspace (ATSOCAS) related FIS document, CAP 774 UK Flight Information Services, is noted here.


 

Certification and Designation

In accordance with EU (EASA related) legislation, in particular the 1035/2011, Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) are required to obtain a certificate and be designated in order to provide air navigation services.

SMS, Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment & Mitigation

Requirements for SMS, hazard identification, risk assessment and mitigation arise from EU (EASA related) legislation 1035/2011.

Operational Procedures, Facilities and Arrangements

Operational procedures and arrangements may be subject to the Single European Sky Interoperability Requirements and Implementing Rules. Furthermore, other sources such as CAP 493 (MATS Part 1) may drive operational procedures.

Personnel Licensing

Air Traffic Controller (ATCO) Licensing Requirements arise from EU Regulation 805/2011. FISO Licensing arrangements arise from the UK Air Navigation Order. For other staff, such as technical staff or Air Traffic Services Electronics Personnel (ATSEP), there are European level initiatives aimed at developing Common Core Content Training Requirements and Competency Checking Requirements.

Equipment and Interoperability

Equipment and Interoperability Requirements arise from the Single European Sky Interoperability Requirements and other sources such as ICAO SARPs. Equipment may also be subject to various International Standards and Directives.