ATCO License in UK question

[Radar Contact]

Hello peeps,

Me and .Aero are arguing what is the minimum age to hold an ATCO license in the UK - I say it's 18 and not 21 like the ICAO rules..

Have your say

Regards,
RC

[Spitoon]

CAP 744 the UK book of words on controller licensing says:

The CAA will grant an applicant an air traffic controller licence provided he:
a) holds a valid student air traffic controller licence;
b) has successfully completed a UTP;
c) has successfully completed TRUCE and been assessed as competent to handle unusual circumstances and aircraft in emergency;
d) has passed a rating examination;
e) is at least 20 years of age;
f) holds a current medical certificate of the appropriate class.

You can get a student licence if you are 18 years of age or more.

[Regular Cappuccino]

.....Until May 17th, when the UK comes into line with Europe - Haven't got the paperwork to hand, but off the top of my head I think 21 becomes the minimum age for NEW Full licences, though current holders under 21 at that time will continue to operate on an exemption for 12 months, as will the rest of us, as licences will be re-issued over the course of the year with ULE renewals.
Possibly someone else has the precise details to hand - mine are all at work.
RC

[loubylou]

Isn't that age discriminatory?!!

It used to be - many moons ago - 18 years old to be a valid aerodrome controller and 21 years old to be a valid radar controller, however it has obviously changed!

louby

[stoneyrosetreered]

I don't see the point in it to be honest. I imagine the idea is that younger controllers are amongst the unsafest? I haven't ever heard of a relationship between mistakes made by ATCO's and their age, but then again I am on the outside so to speak