IFATCA Policy is:

Audio and visual recordings and AWR are confidential and shall not be released to the public.

Audio and visual recordings and AWR shall not be used to provide direct evidence, such as in disciplinary cases, or to determine controller competence.

Except for AWR, recorded data shall be used only in the following cases:

a) when investigating ATC related accidents and incidents;

b) for search and rescue purposes;

c) for training and review purposes provided all ATCOs affected agree.

d) for the purposes of adjusting and repairing ATC equipment.

Access to recorded data shall be limited to authorised personnel. Authorised personnel shall be mutually agreed by the controllers’ representative and the appropriate authority. Recorded data used shall be identical to that presented at or originating from the relevant controller’s position.

IFATCA is opposed to the use of visual AWR on the basis of invasion of privacy.

AWR shall only be used to aid in incident and accident investigations to improve aviation safety.

Prior to the installation of AWR, legislation shall be in place which prohibits the use of any recorded information against a controller in any criminal or civil litigation. The legislation should provide for substantial penalties for any breach.

The AWR system, including user management and access to the recordings, should be managed by an independent authority within the ANSP, chosen jointly by management and Member Association(s).

Before being published in an incident or accident report, non-relevant information shall be removed from AWR transcripts.