Foreign language requirements for ATCOs
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Foreign language requirements for ATCOs
Hi all,
Anyone with any experience of the requirements for local language knowledge when moving to a new country and working as an ATCO?
Does anyone know of any countries that have stated their language requirements to operate as an ATCO in that particular country?
I am not referring to English language skills - just the local language.
Thanks.
Anyone with any experience of the requirements for local language knowledge when moving to a new country and working as an ATCO?
Does anyone know of any countries that have stated their language requirements to operate as an ATCO in that particular country?
I am not referring to English language skills - just the local language.
Thanks.
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With Nav Canada, anyone wishing a transfer to units in Quebec must take an oral French test (ooh er missus) since local traffic will speak only French, and I've heard that Skyguide will only hire people who are fluent in French (for Geneva) or German (for Zurich). In their case, they say that as well as local traffic, some co-ordination and all calls with airport vehicles will be in German. On the other hand, Arabic is not required for controllers in the more friendly parts of the Middle East.
In the not too distant future, ICAO are introducing an english language exam for all pilots & ATCO's, for which you have to be proficient to at least level 6 (out of 8) to pass. Allegedly.
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Ok, so the next question is what do the tests comprise of? Are they a general language test or are they work specific with RTF questions and co-ordination related subjects?
Does Norway publish the test or show the level that is required?
What about the French test in Canada, is that published?
Yes the English requirements from ICAO come into effect in 2008. These have well layed out guidelines, the local language requirements seem much more of a grey area.
All help appreciated.
Thanks.
Does Norway publish the test or show the level that is required?
What about the French test in Canada, is that published?
Yes the English requirements from ICAO come into effect in 2008. These have well layed out guidelines, the local language requirements seem much more of a grey area.
All help appreciated.
Thanks.
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In the not too distant future, ICAO are introducing an english language exam for all pilots & ATCO's, for which you have to be proficient to at least level 6 (out of 8) to pass.
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joanmcewen vbmenu_register("postmenu_2541660", true); what happens in Spain? Have you ever accepted any foreign controllers?
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Since my beloved employer has agreed with the union (Natca) that we are approx 135-140 controllers short in Norway, I suspect that the language requirement will be waivered for ACC controllers at least.
(140 might not sound very much, but we are less then 500 total today......)
(Towers are a bit harder, since you need a lot of comunications with non ATC units. The radio comms with vehicles on the airfield are in native tongue as well)
(140 might not sound very much, but we are less then 500 total today......)
(Towers are a bit harder, since you need a lot of comunications with non ATC units. The radio comms with vehicles on the airfield are in native tongue as well)
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Ask your employer if he has a present language test. If not maybe he would make one!
I thought there was supposed to be the free movement of workers within the EU. I am not seeing this if foreign employers can't specify their standards.
I thought there was supposed to be the free movement of workers within the EU. I am not seeing this if foreign employers can't specify their standards.
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Originally Posted by Jagohu
At Eurocontrol, Maastricht you don't need to know Dutch 
(Learning dutch looks to be nigh on impossible anyway!)
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At Eurocontrol, Maastricht you don't need to know Dutch
And although it shouldn't be done, a lot of co-ordination with adjacent/subjacent units is done in another language.
Good luck to you all - and if you get through, don't forget to be nice to your training officer and supervisor - lots of coffee helps
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Originally Posted by Lon More
No, but a little helps. Outside work you'll be living in the local community and an attempt to speak the language works wonders with the locals even though 99% speak English. Of course many of the Germans live in Germany still and a lot of the Francophones in Belgium.
And although it shouldn't be done, a lot of co-ordination with adjacent/subjacent units is done in another language.
Good luck to you all - and if you get through, don't forget to be nice to your training officer and supervisor - lots of coffee helps
And although it shouldn't be done, a lot of co-ordination with adjacent/subjacent units is done in another language.
Good luck to you all - and if you get through, don't forget to be nice to your training officer and supervisor - lots of coffee helps
(Oh and I did notice the coffee stations every 10m or so in the MUAC building
!)
