This topic deals in a general way with the classification of Aeronautical Personnel as an integral part within the aeronautical industry, as applied in ICAO Annex 1.
Introduction
Although the aeronautical industry was born from the inventiveness and dreams of men. Its evolution was marked by the need to transport long distances in the shortest possible time. However, the first evolutionary stage of this industry is not marked by this need but for being primarily used for territorial defense and sovereignty in the first world conflicts.
After these conflicts and with new technology already proven in them, man’s need resumes its course and the geographic expansion added to the social demographic increase factor pushes the industry to be placed for many years as the preferred means of road communication in the world.
Today the fact that the aviation industry is a preferred means of communication remains a latent reality but the industry would not have been born or evolved to what we know today without a number of vital elements that have been involved since the first flight of a heavier-than-air machine was documented.
For this topic we will restrict ourselves to only one of those elements of all those that we could mention, the human factor, this factor is treated as “people” or “aeronautical personnel” working in different areas of the industry.
Classification of Aeronautical Personnel:
Aeronautical personnel can be classified into those who require a license or rating to perform a specific job and those who do not.
In the case of the first classification, the contracting states have adopted the regulations of ICAO Annex 1, “which is applicable to all applicants and, in the case of renewals, to all holders of the licenses and ratings specified therein“.
a) Licenses or certificates provided by ICAO for Aeronautical Personnel
Annex 1 establishes international standards and recommended methods for the granting of licenses to the following personnel:
i.Flight crew
– Private pilot – airplane, blimp, helicopter or vertical take-off aircraft;
– Commercial pilot – airplane, blimp, helicopter or vertical takeoff aircraft;
– Multi-crew aircraft pilot – airplane;
– Airline transport pilot – airplane, airship, helicopter or vertical takeoff aircraft;
– Glider pilot;
– Free balloon pilot;
– Navigator;
– On-board mechanic.
ii.Other personnel
– Aircraft maintenance (technician/mechanic);
– Air traffic controller;
– Flight operations manager/flight dispatcher;
– Aeronautical station operator.
b) Personnel not requiring a license:
People who do not require a license are all those who do not operate, maintain, or work directly with the aircraft that is why they are not recognized as aeronautical personnel within Annex 1, however, the operation of an aircraft especially in the commercial part requires personnel who work or exercise a specific task in the areas of: service, education, logistics, administrative and even operational so that it can be developed effectively and safely according to the applicable standards.
A good example of these people who do not require a license, but it would be too risky to get rid of them, are the people who work in AVSEC. They should take ANNEX 17 as regulatory guidance to minimize the incalculable safety risks to commercial aviation.
Note: security and safety are two definitions that have their own working context for aeronautical personnel.