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Air Traffic Controller

Regulators
  • Civil Aviation Authority
Nations
United Kingdom
Sectors
  • Transport

Regulatory or professional bodies

Primary regulator

Regulatory authority
Civil Aviation Authority
Address

Civil Aviation Authority
Aviation House
South Area
Gatwick Airport RH6

Email address
infoservices@caa.co.uk
Phone number
+44 (0)1293 567711

Regulation

Regulation summary

According to regulation (EU) No 2015/340, air traffic controllers provide service for the purpose of preventing collisions both between aircraft and in the maneuovring area between aircraft and obstructions; and for the purpose of expediting and maintaining an orderly flow of air traffic.

Regulation type

Licence

Reserved activities

N/A

Protected titles

N/A


Qualifications and experience

New professionals

Routes to qualification

Complete a training course at an Approved Initial Training Organisation.

Before providing an Air Traffic Control (ATC) service, you must be appropriately qualified and licensed. You must hold an Air Traffic Controller (ATCO) Licence that includes a rating and rating endorsement, where applicable, appropriate to the task.

ATCO licences are issued by the CAA to holders of Student ATCO licences following successful completion of the appropriate approved unit endorsement course and assessment.

Requirements to be granted an ATCO Licence

Applicants for an Air Traffic Controller Licence must:
• hold a valid Student Air Traffic Controller Licence
• have successfully completed the Unit Endorsement Course
• have successfully completed Training in Abnormal and Emergency Situations (ABES) and Human Factors
• hold a current UK issued Class 3 medical certificate

How to apply:
• Applications are made to CAA ATS Licensing Assessment on form SRG1411A (Application for the Initial Issue of an Air Traffic Controller (ATCO) Licence).
• You must complete the appropriate sections of the application form. Be sure to read the guidance notes attached to the form to ensure that it has been correctly completed - https://www.caa.co.uk/SRG1411A
• You must include appropriate fee. The cost of the grant of an ATCO licence is detailed in - https://www.caa.co.uk/ORS5

Various methods of payment are detailed on the SRG 1411A application form.

Professionals from outside the UK

Recognition for professionals outside the UK
None - all professionals must re-qualify
Summary of routes

EU member states licence holders: https://www.caa.co.uk/commercial-industry/airspace/air-traffic-management-and-air-navigational-services/licences/air-traffic-controller-licence/#accordionPanel_2292820


Registration

Registration requirements

Holding a UK licence registers the individual with the CAA.


Legislation

Title of relevant act or charter

UK Regulation (EU) No. 1178/2011

Title of relevant act or charter

N/A

Licence Finder

You may need licences and permits to carry out certain activities in the UK. These are called authorisations. Use the licence finder to find what you need.