ATCO.B.030 Language proficiency endorsement

• Regulation (EU) 2015/340 found in: Air Traffic Controllers Licensing and Certification (2015/340) Part-ATCO (Jun 2024)

ATCO.B.030  Language proficiency endorsement Regulation (EU) 2015/340 (a)       Air traffic controllers and student air traffic controllers shall not exercise the privileges of their licences unless they have a valid language proficiency endorsement in English and, if applicable, in the language(s) imposed by the Member State for reasons of safety at the ATC unit as published in the Aeronautical Information Publications. The language proficiency endorsement shall indicate the language(s), the level(s) of proficiency and the expiry date(s). (b)       The language proficiency level shall be determined in accordance with the rating scale set out in [Appendix 1 of Annex I](#_DxCrossRefBm1379192422). (c)       The applicant for any language proficiency endorsement shall demonstrate, in accordance with the rating scale referred to in point (b), at least an operational level (level four) of language proficiency. To do so, the applicant shall: (1)       communicate effectively in voice only (telephone/radiotelephone) and in face-to-face situations; (2)       communicate on common, concrete and work-related topics with accuracy and clarity; (3)       use appropriate communicative strategies to exchange messages and to recognise and resolve misunderstandings in a general or work-related context; (4)       handle successfully and with relative ease the linguistic challenges presented by a complication or unexpected turn of events that occur within the context of a routine work situation or communicative task with which they are otherwise familiar; and (5)       use a dialect or accent which is intelligible to the aeronautical community. (d)       Notwithstanding point (c), extended level (level five) of the language proficiency rating scale set out in [Appendix 1 of Annex I](#_DxCrossRefBm1379192422) may be required by the air navigation service provider, where the operational circumstances of the particular rating or endorsement warrant a higher level of language proficiency for imperative reasons of safety. Such a requirement shall be non-discriminatory, proportionate, transparent, and objectively justified by the air navigation service provider wishing to apply the higher level of proficiency and shall be approved by the competent authority. (e)       Language proficiency shall be demonstrated by a certificate attesting the result of the assessment.