FABEC ATCO Basic Training Course certified

FABEC Supervisory Authorities have certified the common Basic ATCO Course. This is a first step towards the harmonization of the basic training of air traffic controllers. The approval is based on a two-year pilot in which the course was further improved and validated. The curriculum takes into account the new European requirements in terms of training and also integrates more ambitious pedagogical objectives because of the complexity of air traffic management in the FABEC airspace. It addresses content which is fundamental for all ATCO trainees, such as aircraft types, phraseology, weather, ICAO rules etc. The length of the course varies between 16 and 22 weeks. The courses are conducted at the DFS academy in Langen, the French academy ENAC in Toulouse, at LVNL in Amsterdam/Schiphol and in Switzerland at the skyguide academy in Dubendorf.

In 2014, the first pilot course started with contents drawn up jointly by FABEC air navigation service providers and training organisations with the objective of gathering experience for later courses and setting one FABEC-wide standard with common training material. In addition, it facilitates the training of air traffic controllers at partner organisations and the possible exchange of instructors and training material as well.