Work Overview

The Air Traffic Management (ATM) profession is in a time of significant change, where systems are becoming more integrated and the work of the ATM professionals is becoming more entwined. GATCO is committed that changes, technological or otherwise, are developed and implemented in the safest possible way. In this environment, the work done by GATCO, protecting the interests of all ATM professionals, is carried out in a number of ways:

  • Developing policy which influences ATM rules, regulations and guidelines both nationally and internationally. The opinion of the members is constantly sought so that their views and concerns can be brought to the attention of influential bodies, key individuals and regulatory agencies.
  • Taking part in UK airspace consultations ensuring the changes proposed improve the safety and efficiency of the UK airspace and procedures.
  • Providing expertise to and collaborating with numerous aviation organisations in the UK.
  • Working together with the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) and other member associations to ensure the views of ATM professionals around the world are heard within the ATM industry.

Some of GATCO’s most recent work include:

  • The formulation of GATO Policy on Unmanned Aircraft Systems. You can read GATCO’s policy here.
  • Working with IFATCA on its position paper on the Single European Sky (SES) and Europe’s Performance Scheme, in particular for Reference Period 3 (RP3), between 2020 and 2025. You can find out more about it here.
  • Collaboration with the CAA and other aviation stakeholders in the creation of a guidance document on ATM automation: CAA document CAP 1377, “ATM Automation: Guidance on human-technology integration“. You can find out more about it here.