ATSA Licensing
Recently seen at my place of employment – a letter from the Civil Aviation Group from the PCS Union, (who represent NATS ATSAs amongst others) asking for views on the possible “professional licensing” of ATSAs, Engineers etc – specifically non-ATCO positions within ATC. Reasoning behind the concept is enhancing and maintaining safety within ATC, plus a possible benefit of job protection. This topic is currently being discussed at European ATC Safety Forum level .
Does “professional licensing” already exist for ATSAs in ATC Services anywhere else? What do the NATS ATSAs and ATCOs think about it? Any other views?