Concern air controllers could take flight

The European Commission has adopted a proposal aimed at introducing a community licence for air traffic controllers.

The idea is to harmonise the systems for granting air traffic control licences and, above all, to promote the mutual recognition of licences on community territory.

Malta is already in compliance with Eurocontrol regulations and this new initiative seems to be viewed positively by Maltese air traffic controllers.

Malta Air Traffic Services chief Larry Fenech said that the "EU's proposal is very forward looking considering the mandates that Eurocontrol has and the time limits imposed by the EU".

He added that the proposal would give the profession a new European dimension and he was sure that Maltese air traffic controllers would rise to the occasion.

The EU's proposal forms part of the European Single Sky legislative package and defines the principles governing the granting and obtaining of licences. It contains linguistic requirements and stipulates that member states must ensure that air traffic controllers show proof of their ability to speak and understand English in a satisfactory manner.

The level of linguistic competence required is defined in the annexes of the proposal and must be the subject of regular and official assessment.

The proposal also authorises member states to guarantee the level of competence of the air traffic controllers by ensuring that their training is supervised by the national supervisory authorities.

Malta Air Traffic Services Ltd, which has overall responsibility for air traffic services in the Maltese air traffic region, employs 55 air traffic controllers. All controller courses are conducted through an agreement between MATS and the Irish Aviation Authority both in Malta and in Shannon, Ireland.

Although the EU proposal is welcomed by the Maltese authorities, it poses a real risk that, once in place, Maltese air traffic controllers will be in a position to move more easily to other overseas jobs which are much better paid.

Mr Fenech was concerned on this point saying that "this is in fact our worry about a common licence. A common licence will grant mobility to the Maltese controllers as it will be easier for them to work in other EU member states with the advantage of gaining higher salaries". He added that "one must bear in mind that, considering the whole financial package, controllers have a very good salary by Maltese standards".

The new proposals will have to be agreed to by MEPs and national governments before they can become law.