On 26 August 2025, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1044 entered into force, regulating the assessment of qualifications of air traffic controllers trained in third countries. The Regulation lays down detailed rules and procedures for the recognition of air traffic controller licences issued in third countries and of prior training within the European Union.
The first such assessment at the Estonian Aviation Academy took place from 1 to 8 July 2026, when a Turkish national working as an air traffic controller in Istanbul underwent the prescribed procedure. His knowledge and competencies were assessed against the European Union requirements for basic training and Area Control Surveillance (ACS) rating training.
As a result of the assessment, the Academy concluded that the candidate demonstrated a level of knowledge and competence equivalent to the requirements for an EU ATCO Student Licence.
To date, the candidate has also completed the next stage and obtained an EU ATCO Student Licence with an Area Control Surveillance (ACS) rating. The licence was issued by the German Federal Supervisory Authority for Air Navigation Services (BAF).
We wish him every success in his future career!
Another candidate has already approached Estonian Aviation Academy to undergo a similar assessment process.