Air traffic controllers will find it easier to work across Europe if a proposal to develop a single professional licence for them is successful.
The European Commission proposal, part of the harmonisation required by the Single European Sky initiative, will create a common licensing system for all European Union countries and will also ensure air traffic controllers undergo the same standard of training throughout the EU.
All aspects of the licensing process are covered under the proposal - institutional set-up, licensing requirements including age, competence, medical and linguistic criteria, and conditions to be fulfilled by training institutes. Not only will the new system mean that air traffic controllers will be able to transfer freely around Europe, but it is intended to increase safety standards in some parts of the EU. It is expected to take at least two years before the single licence is adopted as national law. EC transport commissioner Loyola de Palacio says the proposal demonstrates the Commission's intentions to "enhance the regulatory framework" for European air traffic management.
Source: Flight Daily News
