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The Problematic use of Psychoactive Substances and Air Traffic Controllers’ Rostering Systems

Guidance for Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs)

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The Problematic use of Psychoactive Substances

The responsibilities of Air Traffic Control (ATC) service providers with regard to the problematic use of psychoactive substances by air traffic controllers are detailed in ATS.OR.305 and included within the compliance matrix for Annex IV Part-ATS. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has developed specific policy and additional AMC and GM to guide and direct ATC service providers in complying with the requirements of ATS.OR.305.

Using this policy, AMC and GM, ATC service providers should submit their procedure to the CAA for approval at ansp.certification@caa.co.uk by 7 March 2022.

ICAO Doc 9654 ‘Manual on Prevention of Problematic Use of Substances in the Aviation Workplace’ provides additional guidance for the development and implementation of training and education programmes and policies relating to the problematic use of psychoactive substances; it is referenced within GM1 ATS.OR.305(a).

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