Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. Qatar Civil Aviation Authority Regulation Air Traffic Controller Licence QCAR ATCL

Qatar Civil Aviation Authority Qatar Civil Aviation Authority Regulation Air Traffic Controller Licence QCAR ATCL Version Q02 1 st December 2012

Version Q02 01.12.2012 Page 2

Qatar Civil Aviation Authority Air Traffic Controller Licensing QCAR-ATCL Foreword 1. The regulations contained in this publication (QCAR -ATCL) are based on Law 15 of 2002 and ICAO Annex 1. 2. These regulations shall be cited as Qatar Civil Aviation Air Traffic Control Licencing Regulations (QCAR-ATCL) and shall be in force on 1 st February, 2013. 3. QCAR-ATCL contains 2 Divisions, and prescribes the Air Traffic Control Licencing Regulations: Division I General Division II Training Records The information contained in this publication is subject to constant review in the light of the changing regulations and requirements. No subscriber or other reader should act on the basis of any such information without also referring to applicable laws and regulations and without taking appropriate professional advice when/as indicated/required. Although the effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the Civil Aviation Authority, State of Qatar, shall not be held responsible for loss or damage caused by errors, misprints or misinterpretations of the contents hereof. Notes: 1. Its is strictly forbidden for persons or agencies to reproduce, recast, reformat or transmit these Regulations, or any part thereof, for commercial sales purposes including photo copying, recording, or through information storage/retrieval systems, unlass otherwise permitted to do so by QCAA. 2. Furthermore, the Civil Aviation Authority, State of Qatar, expressly disclaims all and any liablilty of any person, whether a purchaser or this publication or not, in respect of anything done or omitted, and the consequences of anything done or omitted, by any such person reliance solely on the contents of this publication. 1 st December 2012 Abdul Aziz Al Noaimi Chairman of the Board Managing Director Version Q02 01.12.2012 Page 3

Qatar Civil Aviation Authority Regulation Air Traffic Controller QCAR ATCL Amendment Sheet Amendment Date of Insertion Inserted By 1. 1 8 December 2013 Preben Jensen 2. 2 19 January 2014 Preben Jensen 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Version Q02 01.12.2012 Page 5

Contents QCAR-ATCL Air Traffic Control Licencing CHAPTER 1- GENERAL... 9 100 - Application... 9 200 - Issuance of Air Traffic Controller Licences and Ratings...9 300 Licences and Ratings...13 400 - Endorsements...14 500 - Prohibitions...16 600 - Privileges...16 700 - Recency Requirements...16 800 - Validity of Air Traffic Controller Licence Ratings...17 CHAPTER 2 - TRAINING RECORDS...19 900 - Training Records...19 APPENDIX 1...21 ATC Examination Procedures as required by QCAA...21 APPENDIX 2...24 Procedures for the Licencing and Validation of Rated and Unrated Air Traffic Controllers... 25 Version Q02 01.12.2012 Page 7

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER LICENCES AND RATINGS CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL The personnel licensing and training standards respecting air traffic controller licences and ratings outline the basic specifications for the licensing of persons who hold air traffic controller licences or to whom such licences may be issued. The Standards are in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) specifications. 100 - Application 100.01 This applies to persons who hold an air traffic controller licence or who apply for the issuance of such a licence or the endorsement of such a licence with a rating. 200 - Issuance of Air Traffic Controller Licences and Ratings 200.01 The holder of a licence with a rating issued by an appropriate authority of another contracting state, who desires to obtain a licence and rating issued under QCAR - ATCL, shall apply to QCAA in the appropriate form, for a conversion of such licence and rating. 200.02 The application for a conversion referred to in 200.01 shall be accompanied by: (a) a certified true copy of the licence to which the conversion pertains; (b) a valid medical certificate; (c) an employment offer from QCAA as an air traffic controller; and (d) demonstrate to an authorized ATC examiner adequate knowledge for the licence and rating sought. 200.03 A licence and rating issued by an appropriate authority may be recognized by QCAA subject to the same restrictions which apply to such a licence and rating and in accordance with and subject to the requirements and conditions as prescribed in QCAR-ATCL. 200.04 The holder of a licence and rating issued by an appropriate authority and converted by QCAA, shall at all times comply with the provisions of these regulations and the requirements and conditions as prescribed. 200.05 An applicant shall, during the twelve month period immediately preceding the date of issue of a licence: (a) submit an application; and (b) complete all tests and examinations for issuance of a licence. 200.06 Ratings to an air traffic controller licence, which may be endorsed for one or more specified operational locations, comprise: (a) Aerodrome Control; Version Q02 01.12.2012 Page 9

(b) Approach Control Procedural; and (c) Approach Control Surveillance. 200.07 The Head of Licencing, on receipt of an application submitted, issue an air traffic controller licence with a rating where the applicant provides documentation that establishes: (a) The applicant's citizenship; and The following documents are acceptable as proof of citizenship: i. A citizenship certificate, ii. A valid passport, iii. A birth or baptismal certificate. A copy certified by the issuing State or duly notarized is acceptable, iv. A Visa issued to a landed immigrant, and v. An aviation personnel licence showing the citizenship of the holder and issued by the State of which he/she is a citizen (b) That the applicant meets the applicable requirements set out in respect of: a. Minimum age, i. An applicant shall be not less than twenty-one years of age. ii. When proof of age is required it may be provided in one of the following forms: iii. A State citizenship certificate, iv. A birth certificate or copy thereof certified by the issuing authority, or a duly notarized copy thereof, v. Where a birth certificate cannot be produced, a baptismal certificate supported by a statutory declaration in which the applicant declares his age will be accepted, or vi. A valid State passport. b. Medical fitness, c. Knowledge An applicant shall have completed the medical examination requirements and be in possession of a Category 1 Medical Certificate valid for an air traffic controller licence. An applicant shall have successfully completed air traffic controller training and basic theoretical training and written examinations administered by an institution recognized as being qualified to administer such training on: a. "Air law" - the rules and regulations relevant to air traffic control, b. "Air traffic control equipment" - the basic principles, use and limitations of radar and satellite or digital/global positioning equipment, c. "General knowledge" - the performance of various aircraft types relative to air traffic control procedures, including the avoidance of wake turbulence, Version Q02 01.12.2012 Page 10

d. "Human performance and limitations" - human performance and limitations relevant to air traffic control, e. "Meteorology" - meteorology, including an appreciation of synoptic charts, weather reports and forecasts and the use of altimeters, f. "Navigation" - the principles of air navigation, the use and limitations of radio, visual and other aids to air navigation, g. "Operational procedures" - air traffic control and communication procedures (routine, non-routine and emergency), use of the relevant aeronautical documentation, and safety practices associated with flight. d. Experience, 200.08 An application shall also include: An applicant shall have met all approved air traffic control training course standards and requirements for the endorsement of one or more of the ratings. (a) one photograph of the applicant; and (b) documentation establishing that the applicant demonstrated, by means of an evaluation by an approved organization providing English Language testing, their ability to speak and understand English at ICAO Level 4 or higher level in accordance with the language proficiency scale set out in the following table. Version Q02 01.12.2012 Page 11

ICAO LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY RATING SCALE Expert, Extended and Operational Levels LEVEL Expert 6 Extended 5 Operational 4 PRONUNCIATION Assumes a dialect and/or accent intelligible to the aeronautical community. Pronunciation, stress, rhythm, and intonation, though possibly influenced by the first language or regional variation, almost never interfere with ease of understanding. Pronunciation, stress, rhythm, and intonation, though influenced by the first language or regional variation, rarely interfere with ease of understanding. Pronunciation, stress, rhythm, and intonation are influenced by the first language or regional variation but only sometimes interfere with ease of understanding. STRUCTURE Relevant grammatical structures and sentence patterns are determined by language functions appropriate to the task Both basic and complex grammatical structures and sentence patterns are consistently well controlled. Basic grammatical structures and sentence patterns are consistently well controlled. Complex structures are attempted but with errors which sometimes interfere with meaning. Basic grammatical structures and sentence patterns are used creatively and are usually well controlled. Errors may occur, particularly in unusual or unexpected circumstances, but rarely interfere with meaning. VOCABULARY FLUENCY COMPREHENSION INTERACTIONS Vocabulary range and accuracy are sufficient to communicate effectively on a wide variety of familiar and unfamiliar topics. Vocabulary is idiomatic, nuanced, and sensitive to register. Vocabulary range and accuracy are sufficient to communicate effectively on common, concrete, and work-related topics. Paraphrases consistently and successfully. Vocabulary is sometimes idiomatic. Vocabulary range and accuracy are usually sufficient to communicate effectively on common, concrete, and workrelated topics. Can often paraphrase successfully when lacking vocabulary in unusual or unexpected circumstances. Able to speak at length with a natural, effortless flow. Varies speech flow for stylistic effect, e.g. to emphasize a point. Uses appropriate discourse markers and connectors spontaneously. Able to speak at length with relative ease on familiar topics but may not vary speech flow as a stylistic device. Can make use of appropriate discourse markers or connectors. Produces stretches of language at an appropriate tempo. There may be occasional loss of fluency on transition from rehearsed or formulaic speech to spontaneous interaction, but this does not prevent effective communication. Can make limited use of discourse markers or connectors. Fillers are not distracting. Comprehension is consistently accurate in nearly all contexts and includes comprehension of linguistic and cultural subtleties. Comprehension is accurate on common, concrete, and work-related topics and mostly accurate when the speaker is confronted with a linguistic or situational complication or an unexpected turn of events. Is able to comprehend a range of speech varieties (dialect and/or accent) or registers. Comprehension is mostly accurate on common, concrete, and workrelated topics when the accent or variety used is sufficiently intelligible for an international community of users. When the speaker is confronted with a linguistic or situational complication or an unexpected turn of events, comprehension may be slower or require clarification strategies. Interacts with ease in nearly all situations. Is sensitive to verbal and nonverbal cues and responds to them appropriately. Responses are immediate, appropriate, and informative. Manages the speaker/listener relationship effectively. Responses are usually immediate, appropriate, and informative. Initiates and maintains exchanges even when dealing with an unexpected turn of events. Deals adequately with apparent misunderstandings by checking, confirming, or clarifying. 300 Licences and Ratings 300.01 Where an applicant for an air traffic controller licence, or for the endorsement of such a licence, meets the applicable requirements, the Head of Licencing shall issue an air traffic controller licence to the applicant with a rating appropriate to the functions to be exercised. 300.02 The Head of Licencing in concert with the Director Air Navigation Services (DANS) may specify in an Air Traffic Controller Licence any condition in respect of the exercise of the privi- Version Q02 01.12.2012 Page 13

leges of the licence or the privileges of a rating endorsed on the licence, if the condition is required to ensure aviation safety, including any condition in respect of: (a) the training of the licence holder; (b) the supervision of the licence holder; (c) the equipment that the licence holder may use; or (d) the operational location at which the licence holder may exercise the privileges of the holder's air traffic controller licence. 400 - Endorsements Training for Aerodrome and Approach rating endorsements will be done at the unit level. Upon successful completion of training, the Director, Air Navigation Services (or his designate) shall validate the applicants licence with the appropriate unit endorsement. An applicant shall demonstrate the level of knowledge, judgment, experience and skill for the endorsement of the rating applied for as follows: 400.01 Aerodrome Control Rating (a) Knowledge An applicant for an Aerodrome Control Rating shall have successfully completed a course administered by an institution that is recognized as being qualified to administer such training and have demonstrated knowledge of the particular operational locale for which the rating is desired through successful completion of written examinations on: i. Airport layout; ii. Airspace and control zone rules; iii. Co-ordination procedures between the airport control tower unit and other traffic control units; iv. Available electronic aids to navigation and air traffic control; v. ATC equipment in the Control Tower and its operational use; vi. Terrain prominent landmarks and air navigation facilities within a 25 nautical mile radius of the centre of the airport; vii. Regular aircraft operating characteristics and traffic flows and airspace agreements; viii. Meteorological phenomena peculiar to that region; and ix. Search and rescue plans and emergency procedures. (b) Experience During the twelve months preceding the endorsement of an Aerodrome Control Rating, the applicant shall have: Version Q02 01.12.2012 Page 14

i. Successfully completed Air Traffic Control training courses administered by an institution that is recognized as being qualified to administer such training pursuant to the appropriate training document; and ii. Served under the supervision of a qualified aerodrome controller for: 1. Not less than 90 hours or one month, whichever is greater, in the case of the initial issue of an Air Traffic Controller Licence; and, 2. When the applicant already holds an air traffic rating in another category, or the same rating for another unit, the time necessary to demonstrate competence in the case of the endorsement may be reduced. 400.02 Approach Control Procedural and Surveillance Rating (a) Knowledge An applicant for an Approach Control Rating shall have successfully completed a course administered by an institution that is recognized as being qualified to administer such training and have demonstrated knowledge of the particular geographical area for which the rating is desired through successful completion of written examinations on: i. Runway layouts at airport(s) within the Approach control area; ii. Control zone and Approach control area airspace rules and procedures; iii. Co-ordination procedures and airspace agreements between the Approach Control Unit and other underlying and adjacent air traffic control units; iv. Available electronic aids to navigation and air traffic control; v. ATC equipment in the Approach Control Unit and its operational use; vi. Prominent terrain and landmarks, air navigation aids and ATC facilities within a 50 nautical mile radius beyond the airspace under the jurisdiction of the Approach Control Unit; vii. Regular aircraft operating characteristics and air traffic flows; viii. Meteorological phenomena peculiar to that Approach control area and adjacent regions; ix. Search and rescue alerting plans and emergency procedures; and x. Holding, approach, missed approach and departure procedures, including protected airspace configurations. (b) Experience During the twelve months preceding the endorsement of an Approach Control Rating, the applicant shall have: i. Successfully completed ATC training courses administered by an institution that is recognized as being qualified to administer such training; and ii. Served under the supervision of a qualified approach controller for; 1. Not less than 180 hours or three months, whichever is greater, in the case of the initial issue of an Air Traffic Controller Licence; and, 2. When the applicant already holds an air traffic rating in another category, or the same rating for another unit, the time necessary to demonstrate competence in the case of the endorsement may be reduced. Version Q02 01.12.2012 Page 15

400.03 Prior to the endorsement of an air traffic controller licence with a rating, and before any privileges may be exercised; an applicant shall have met all requirements for the endorsement of a particular rating at a specific location. 400.04 An applicant shall have demonstrated ability to perform those functions applicable to the privileges to be granted. 500 - Prohibitions 500.01 No person shall act as an air traffic controller or exercise the privileges of an air traffic controller licence unless: (a) the person holds an air traffic controller licence endorsed with a rating appropriate to the privileges being exercised and with the appropriate operational location; (b) the licence is valid; (c) the person can produce the licence and certificate when exercising those privileges; (d) the person holds a valid Category 1 medical certificate; and (e) the person has attained an English language proficiency at ICAO Level 4 or higher. Conditions specified in 500.01 (a), (b) and (c) do not apply to a person who, while under supervision, acts as an air traffic controller or exercises the privileges of an air traffic controller licence when undergoing: i. Instruction, training or testing in respect of an air traffic controller licence; or ii. ATC unit familiarization in the course of the person's employment. 600 - Privileges 600.01 The holder of an air traffic controller licence may provide or supervise air traffic control services to: (a) Airport traffic with an aerodrome control rating at the operational location for which the licence is endorsed; (b) Aircraft within the Doha TMA with an approach control rating for which the licence is endorsed; or (c) Air show traffic at the operational location in respect of which a special flight operations certificate has been issued. 700 - Recency Requirements 700.01 The holder of an air traffic controller licence shall not exercise the privileges of that licence at an air traffic control unit unless the holder has successfully completed a proficiency check within the preceding 12 months. Version Q02 01.12.2012 Page 16

"proficiency check" means an assessment of the operational knowledge, skill and judgment of the holder of, or an applicant for, an air traffic control licence or rating, with respect to the provision of the requisite air traffic services relating to that licence or rating at an operational location. 700.02 The holder of an air traffic controller licence shall not exercise the privileges of that licence unless the holder has successfully completed an English language proficiency testing within the preceding 36 months at ICAO Level 4 or within the preceding 72 months at ICAO Level 5. 800 - Validity of Air Traffic Controller Licence Ratings 800.01 A rating shall become invalid when an air traffic controller has ceased to exercise the privileges of the rating for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days. A rating shall remain invalid until the controller s ability to exercise the privileges of the rating has been re-established. 800.02 If the privileges of a validated rating have not been exercised for a period of three (3) years, the rating may be withdrawn. Reinstatement of the rating will entail a refresher course followed by a rating examination. Version Q02 01.12.2012 Page 17

CHAPTER 2 - TRAINING RECORDS 900 - Training Records 900.01 The manager of an ATC unit shall: (a) Maintain a training record for each person undergoing training at the ATC unit for the purpose of obtaining a rating or operational location endorsement in respect of the ATC unit; (b) Enter the licence number of the training officer or supervisor in the training record and certify that any information entered in the record is correct by signing and dating the entry and any amendment thereto; (c) At the request of any person who is undergoing or has undergone training at the ATC unit, provide a copy of the person's training record to the person; and (d) At the request of the Air Safety Department, provide the Director with a copy of the training record of any person who is undergoing or has undergone training at the ATC unit and who holds an air traffic controller licence. Version Q02 01.12.2012 Page 19

APPENDIX 1 1. Procedures ATC Examination Procedures as required by QCAA 1.1 This Appendix is a document that specifies the procedures for QCAA sponsored students when attending an Air Traffic Control course at Qatar Aeronautical College and shall be coordinated with the ANS Inspectorate of QCAA Air Safety Department that in turn will keep the ANS Unit at Doha International Airport informed of all developments throughout the course. 1.2 These courses normally consist of a theoretical and a practical part where the student has to pass examinations in theoretical subjects and practical exercises on the ATC simulators. QCAA ANS Inspectorate will approve the course contents, lesson plans, and objectives for each individual course and such documents shall be submitted to the Inspectorate for approval not less than 2 (two) weeks before the commencement of the course. 1.3 Students will prior to commencement of the course(s) be handed a copy of this Appendix that they will sign as having read and understood in full. This signed copy will be included on the student s personnel file. 1.4 The following are the specific guidelines for theoretical and practical examinations for QCAA sponsored students. 2. Theoretical 2.1 Qatar Aeronautical College (QAC) shall on a continuous basis keep QCAA ANS Inspectorate and the operational Units up-to-date of amendments to the approved syllabi and training material. 2.2 QAC will submit any milestone questionnaires and final examination papers to the Inspectorate not less than 1 (one) week prior to the scheduled date for the examination for approval in order to avoid any unnecessary delays. 2.3 The questionnaires will be marked by the Inspectorate as approved and subsequently no alteration to that questionnaire will be made. It is entirely the responsibility of QAC to ensure that sufficient training has been given to the students in the subject matters covered in the written exam. 2.4 After completion of the exam QAC shall submit by electronic means or hand delivered photocopies the final marking of the exam papers to the ANS Inspectorate for approval and verification that a 70% pass mark has been achieved in the relevant subject. 2.5 Should a student fail to obtain 70% in the written exam, one re-sit is permitted. However, a new exam paper has to be produced and approved prior to the re-sit. 2.6 Should a student fail in 3 (three) or more subjects, all subjects will have to be re-taken. 2.7 If a student fails at the re-sit of one or more subjects, a Review Board will be convened to evaluate the academic progress of the individual student and a second re-sit in not more than 2 (two) subjects can be permitted. Version Q02 01.12.2012 Page 21

2.8 Should any of the conditions in paragraphs 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7 not be met, the student will be terminated on the course and will not be permitted entrance on another course for a period of not less than 6 (six) months. 2.9 QCAA Inspectorate will provide invigilators for all written Final Exams. The invigilator does not have to be a Qualified Examiner. 2.10 QCAA ANS Inspectorate will at all-time keep DANS informed of exams, re-sits, and Review Boards, and DANS is requested to provide a senior staff member to be part of the Review Board together with one of the Inspectors from QCAA Inspectorate. 3. Practical 3.1 During the practical training QAC will provide QCAA ANS Inspectorate with updates on the progress of the individual students at 2-week intervals to ensure that any problems in attitude or ability is discovered as early as practical to prevent unnecessary stress for the student and expenditure for QCAA. 3.2 Milestone examinations will be conducted by QAC by an Examiner who has not been involved in the practical training of the group of students. QCAA ANS Inspectorate will monitor such examinations on a minimum of 50% of the exams and reserves the right to ask DANS to provide an additional examiner to observe such examinations. 3.3 If a student fails to meet an acceptable level during a milestone examination, a re-sit will be permitted, but such a re-sit will be examined by one Examiner from the ANS Inspectorate and one Examiner from the ATC Unit together with an Examiner from QAC who has not been involved in the simulator training of the concerned student. 3.4 If a student fails at the re-sit, a Review Board will be convened to evaluate the aptitude progress of the individual student and a second re-sit may be permitted if the Review Board can establish that the student performed considerably below the level that the student has been performing at up to this point of training. 3.5 Should the Review Board decide that the student overall has failed to meet the requirements of QCAA, any further ATC training will be stopped and the student would not be permitted to attend another course in the same subjects for a period of at least 6 (six) months. 3.6 Paragraphs 3.4 and 3.5 will not apply in case the student has previously had a Review Board at a prior time of his training and any ATC training for that student will be curtailed after the first re-sit. 3.7 To summarize one Review Board is permitted in the theoretical part and one for the practical part per student during the duration of a course. Version Q02 01.12.2012 Page 22

4. Signature 4.1 I hereby confirm that I have read and understood the contents of this Appendix Name Date Signature Version Q02 01.12.2012 Page 23

APPENDIX 2 Procedures for the Licencing and Validation of Rated and Unrated Air Traffic Controllers Rated Air Traffic Controllers i. Once the job offer has been issued, the unit will forward a copy of the application together with a copy of the applicant s passport and ATC Licence to the ANS Inspectorate. Proof of English language proficiency at ICAO Level 4 or higher must be included if not specified on the ATC Licence. If the English language proficiency is endorsed on the applicant s foreign licence and is verified from the State of Licence Issue, the language proficiency will be transferred to the Qatar licence, restricted or unrestricted; however, if language proficiency rating is not endorsed on the applicant s foreign licence the unit will be responsible to make arrangements for the applicant to be tested at a QCAA approved language testing centre. ii. ANS Inspectorate is to verify the rating(s) and endorsement(s) with the appropriate Civil Aviation Authority. iii. The ANS Inspectorate will inform the Personnel and Licencing Section to issue a restricted licence to allow the applicant to commence on-the-job training. iv. A Class 1 medical certificate is required for the issue of the restricted licence and will be the responsibility of the unit. v. The unit will provide the ANS Inspectorate a summary of training provided and a recommendation and timetable for unit qualification. The ANS Inspectorate will attend initial unit qualification as an observer. vi. Once the applicant has attained unit qualification, the ANS Inspectorate will inform the Personnel and Licencing Section to remove the restricted licence and issue an ATC Licence endorsed with the local validation. It is the applicant s responsibility to provide a passport sized digital photograph for the ATC Licence. Version Q02 01.12.2012 Page 25

Unrated Air Traffic Controllers i. Upon successful completion of ICAO Courses 051, 052, 053 and/or 054, an approved ATC training facility or the Qatar Aviation College will advise the ANS Inspectorate with a copy of certificates achieved and marks obtained. ii. The ANS Inspectorate is to verify the marks obtained. iii. Proof of English language proficiency at ICAO Level 4 or higher must be included and the language testing should be completed prior to the release of the student from the training facility. iv. The ANS Inspectorate will inform the Personnel and Licencing Section to issue a restricted licence to allow the applicant to commence on-the-job training. v. The unrated air traffic controllers will receive additional theoretical and practical training at the unit that will be followed by an examination in the specialty area for which they have been assigned. vi. A Class 1 medical certificate is required for the issue of the restricted licence and will be the responsibility of the unit. vii. The unit will provide the ANS Inspectorate a summary of training provided and a recommendation and timetable for unit qualification. The ANS Inspectorate will attend initial unit qualification as an observer. viii. Once the applicant has attained unit qualification, the ANS Inspectorate will inform the Personnel and Licencing Section to remove the restricted licence and issue an ATC Licence endorsed with the local validation. It is the applicant s responsibility to provide a passport sized digital photograph for the ATC Licence. Version Q02 01.12.2012 Page 26