International Federation of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Associations
International Federation of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Associations (IFATSEA) unites the professional associations of air traffic safety electronics personnel (ATSEPs) from around the world. Aims and objectives. The aims of the Federation, as defined in the constitution, are as follows: How these aims may be achieved. The aims and problems related to electronics for air safety are generally similar throughout the world. These aims and the solutions of the related problems can best be achieved by international cooperation, mutual understanding and exchange of ideas, informæion and experience. It is fitting, therefore, that , Air Traffic Safety Electronics personnel at all levels and of all nations should unite in a worldwide professional Federation which is based upon the principle of cooperation in all professional matters. Further, it must be emphasised that the Federation is independent of profit making or political motives, essential requirements for international co-operation. Services and activities. In order that IFATSEA aims are achieved, the Federation closely co-operates with national and international organisations, authorities and institutions. They do this by closely cooperating with national and international aviation authorities, and as such are represented in a large number of bodies that  are looking at the present and future developments in air traffic control. Inauguration. Following a series of person to person contacts over a number of years a meeting was convened in Brussels on 12 and 13 November 1971. Attending the inaugural meeting were representatives from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland, Switzerland. The meeting agreed that a draft Constitution would be presented to an inaugural Assembly to be held in Frankfurt in October 1972. Ten countries were represented at the first Assembly. These were: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Switzerland and United Kingdom The Assembly adopted  the Constitution and the Federation had come into being with a membership of ten and a course of action was set in motion to make IFATSEA known, and to have as its primary object the recognition of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel, by national and international bodies. It was decided that the achievement of these aims would best be served, by producing a journal and seeking the amendment of ICAO Annex 1. Ten years after the setting up of IFATSEA, the membership had doubled and the federation was fully recognised as representing the interests of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel  by such bodies as, ICAO, International Labour Organization and EUROCAE. The association works closely with other Professional Associations for staff in the aviation sector, International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), IFATCA and IFALPA. Executive board. The executive board consists of the posts of president, executive secretary, treasurer and the three vice-presidents each of whom serve a term of office of four years. Elections take place every two years with half of the posts being elected. At the 22nd Assembly on Cyprus, it was decided to cancel the titles 1st, 2nd and 3rd in connection with vice presidents, and only keep  the titles vice presidents. Standing committees. Individual Standing Committees were set up in 1981, based upon the main working subjects. These committees had the following names: A general change of names for the Standing Committees was decided at the Assembly 1986, for better recognition of the working areas. Membership. The membership includes 60 countries worldwide. The Association also offers Corporate membership.