There are a whole range of technological changes which will confront the ATCO in the near future. To retain control over our own destiny rather than leaving it in the hands of technicians and managers, however well meaning and far-sighted they may be, must be of prime concern to our Federation.

During the finalisation of the WP on Automation SC4 considered the role of the ATCO in the consultative process, and whether more emphasis on ATCO involvement was necessary. IFATCA’s present policy “Member Associations should make every effort, through good communication with managements, to increase the involvement of controllers whenever change is proposed.” was discussed. The committee felt that it was not enough to remind MA’s of this policy but that it should be more explicitly phrased.

To emphasise, now more than ever, the requirement of ATCO’s to be involved in new projects in a pro-active rather than re-active manner, it was suggested that a re-definition of current policy was appropriate.

Recommendation