UK-EU Transition

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Introduction to Air Traffic Controller licences

A summary of the process for obtaining an ATCO licence and the supporting legislation

In order to provide an Air Traffic Control (ATC) service, an individual must hold an Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO) licence, as well as the ratings and rating endorsements relevant to any specialist tasks. This requires successful completion of initial training at an initial training organisation followed by unit training under supervision. Prior to undertaking unit training, an individual must hold a student ATCO licence and obtain a medical certificate.

Further information is provided in CAP1251: Air Traffic Controllers – Licensing, which details the CAA’s procedures to be followed in order to become a licensed ATCO in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/340.

CAP 584 'Air Traffic Controller Training' will be updated to refer to CAP 1251 and refined to include guidelines for refresher training. Unit Training Plans are still needed under Regulation (EU) 2014/340 and the requirements for these remain in Section 3. Similarly, the scope and objectives of Continuation Training (including ABES and Human Factors Training) continue to feature in Section 4.
Related Information
Regulations

Regulation (EU) 2015/340 (the ATCO licensing regulation)
EASA Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material supporting Regulation (EU) 2015/340
EASA 'easy access rules for ATCO' (EASA consolidation of Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/340, Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material)