Article 8 Language endorsements

Member States shall ensure that air traffic controllers can demonstrate the ability to speak and understand English to a satisfactory standard. Their proficiency shall be determined in accordance with the language proficiency rating scale set out in Annex III.

Member States may impose local language requirements when deemed necessary for reasons of safety.

The level required in application of paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be level 4 of the language proficiency rating scale set out in Annex III.

Notwithstanding paragraph 3, Member States may require level five of the language proficiency rating scale set out in Annex III in application of paragraphs 1 and/or 2 where the operational circumstances of the particular rating or endorsement warrant a higher level for imperative reasons of safety. Such a requirement shall be objectively justified, non-discriminatory, proportionate and transparent.

Proficiency shall be demonstrated by a certificate issued after a transparent and objective assessment procedure approved by the national supervisory authority.