Controller Rating Requirements at VATEUD

Updated September 2012

1. General Information
2. Important Information/ News updates!
3. Upgrade Request
4. Voice Com Rating
5. Controller Ratings and Required Knowledge
5.1 Delivery/Ground Controller Student (S1)
5.2 Tower Controller Student (S2)

5.3 Approach/Departure Controller Student (S3)
5.4 On Route Controller (C1)
5.5 Senior Controller (C3)
5.6 Instructor (I)
5.7 Senior Instructor (SI)
5.8 Fast Track Upgrade for REAL ATC and Airline Pilots
6. Transfer from other networks
6.1 Transfer from IVAO
6.2 Transfer from other networks than IVAO

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

This page will explain what you have to know, and which will be discussed during training sessions, as well as the requirements for the various Controller ratings.
For the Student ratings there is no practical test. However, vACCs are free to make an easy practical test to evaluate the skill level of the applicants.
For the Controller ratings, the practical tests may be split up in two or more sessions, as required.

These requirements are basic VATEUD Requirements. Besides this, your VACC may adopt higher requirements.

For every rating you will need a recommendation from your VACC. It could be that your VACC will issue training-sessions or tests (practical/theory) before issuing an upgrade recommendation to VATEUD.
You must be registered with VATEUD, and you must also sign up with a VACC (if one exists in your area). Upgrades will not be possible if you have not stated a preferred VACC.

2. IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Before requesting an Upgrade, please first register as a VATEUD Member. This is a must. If you are not registered as a VATEUD member, you will not be recognized by the automated upgrade system, hence your Upgrade request will be rejected!

A recommendation is needed for each rating-upgrade.

Every VACC member can request an upgrade and proceed with the relevant test at any time, if the theory test has been passed then the actual rating upgrade will not be activated unless a
recommendation has been approved by the respective VACC TD to which the member belongs.

It is up to the VACC to either just issue a recommendation, or to conduct a local test (practical or theory) before a recommendation is given.

If the member belongs to an European division where no VACC is established, the recommendation should be done by Chief Examiner or VATEUD Assistant Training Director or VATEUD Training Director.

To issue a recommendation, you must be convinced that the member has the potential for the new rating.

Register as a VATEUD Member now, and Specify your Division!

3. UPGRADE REQUEST

If Controlling within the UK
Follow the procedures on the VATSIM-UK's (VATSIM UK Division) website.
http://www.vatsim-uk.org/

If Controlling within the Russian Federation:
Follow the procedures on the VATSIM-RUS's (VATSIM RUSSIA Division) website.
http://www.vatrus.net.ru/

All other European Countries:
Before using the Upgrade Request link on this server, make sure you have read through, and fully understood, all applicable requirements. Failure to do so may result in a reject, or that you fail the test.

Click HERE for a short description of the EuroTest system

Your new rating will then be online 7 days, at most, after you have passed the theory test and your VACC have issued a recommendation.

4. VOICE COM RATING

There is no voice communications rating in effect in VATEUD.

At this time all members are free to use voice as they see fit.

5. CONTROLLER RATINGS AND REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

• Tower Trainee Controller (S1) – TWR (subject to local restrictions)

• TOWER Controller (S2) – TWR

• TMA Controller (S3) – APP/DEP

• ENROUTE Controller (C1) – CTR

• Senior Controller (C3)

For each of these positions, the appropriate theory test must also be taken in Eurotest.

5.1 and 5.2 Aerodrome Controller Students Tower (S2)

DEL/GND Procedures

The following competencies are required to receive the Student 1 (Delivery/Ground) rating. At divisional level, there is no need for a formal Controller Practical Test to be held for the award of this rating. If appropriate, a vACC may enforce the requirement locally for CPTs so long as it can be justified.

GENERAL:

• Setup, Configure and Connect to the network

• Demonstrates understanding of the ATS role

• Displays service delivery awareness

• Displays situational awareness

• Manages communication priority

• Uses correct phraseology

• Manages Flight Strips, Tags and Flight Plans

• Displays professional behavior and pleasant attitude

ATC COORDINATION:

• Coordinates with other ATC where required

CLEARANCE DELIVERY:

• Correctly identifies aircraft and applicable flight rule.

• Applies basic altimetry

• Issues appropriate clearance and departure instructions

GROUND OPERATIONS:

• Issues appropriate GND instructions where/when required

• Correctly transfers aircraft to TWR where required

TWR Procedures

The following competencies are required to receive the Student 2 (Tower) rating. At divisional level, there is no need for a formal Controller Practical Test to be held for the award of this. If appropriate, a vACC may enforce the requirement locally for CPTs so long as it can be justified. These competencies are cumulative, i.e. a competent Student 2 must also demonstrate the competencies of a Student 1.

TOWER OPERATIONS:

• Selects suitable Duty/Active Runway

• Generates ATIS

• Issues appropriate TWR instructions where/when required

• Issues takeoff clearances

• Issues landing clearances

• Applies correct runway separation

• Handles missed approaches

• Manages circuit traffic

• Correctly transfers aircraft to next ATC unit

5.3 Approach and Departure (TMA) Controller (S3)

TMA Controller (S3) – APP/DEP

The following competencies are required to receive the Student 3 (Approach/Departure) rating. At divisional level, there is no need for a formal Controller Practical Test to be held for the award of this rating.

But a local Controller Practical Test is required to insure that competencies are fulfilled in accordance with VATEUD and Vatsim standards. These competencies are cumulative and the student must demonstrate compliance with all previous rating requirements.

DEPARTURES:

• Correctly identifies departing aircraft

• Cancels SID and vectors aircraft for sequencing or separation

• Issues amended ‘maintain’ level where necessary for positive separation

• Correctly transfers aircraft to the Enroute controller

ARRIVALS:

• Ensures pilot is in receipt of correct ATIS information

• Cancels STAR and vectors aircraft for sequencing or separation

• Issues descent and provides runway assignment or reiteration

• Provides position and distance to run to aircraft

• Correctly positions aircraft for approach type

• Correctly issues the approach clearance

• Correctly transfers aircraft to the TWR controller

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT:

• Verifies mode C level of aircraft when commencing radar service

• Issues appropriate TMA instructions where/when required

• Provides suitable vectors to aircraft when required

• Initiates holding when necessary to regulate traffic flow

• Adjusts aircraft speed or track to achieve sequence

SEPARATION:

• Applies appropriate vertical separation between aircraft

• Applies appropriate lateral separation between aircraft

AIRSPACE SERVICES:

• Passes traffic information where required

• Provides additional information or navigation service

• Correctly processes aircraft entering CTA from Class G airspace

• Correctly processes aircraft leaving CTA into Class G airspace

• Implements flight following procedures when requested

5.3 Area or En-Route Controller (Controller) (C)

ENROUTE Controller (C1) – CTR

The following competencies are required to receive the Controller 1 (Center) rating. This rating requires a divisional level formal Controller Practical Test to be held for the award of this rating. These competencies are cumulative and the student must demonstrate compliance with all previous rating requirements.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT:

• Issues appropriate CTR instructions where/when required

• Applies advanced altimetry concepts

• Provides suitable vectors to aircraft when required

• Initiates holding when necessary to regulate traffic flow

• Adjusts aircraft speed or track to achieve initial sequencing for arrival

• Correctly transfers aircraft to next ATC unit

SEPARATION:

• Provides separation service appropriate for class of airspace

• Applies appropriate vertical separation between aircraft

• Applies appropriate vertical separation to aircraft operating in the RVSM band

• Applies time separation between aircraft in non-radar environment

• Applies separation between aircraft in radar environment

• Pre-emptively applies separation assurance to avoid rather than resolve conflicts

AIRSPACE SERVICES:

• Provides traffic services appropriate for class of airspace

• Provides additional information or navigation service

• Issues airways clearance to aircraft entering CTA

• Terminates services for aircraft leaving CTA

• Issues STAR Clearance where necessary

• Provides services appropriate to VFR aircraft

Practical test is required.

5.5 Senior Controller (SC)

Senior Controller (C3)

Introduction and Benefits

Whilst No ATC position within any VATEUD vACC can require a higher rating than En-route Controller (C1) including the special centre within EUC-vACC, endorsements can be required in certain areas as defined and allowed for by GRP.

However the Senior Controller Rating whilst not directly linked to an ATC position as such is considered to be the highest rating recognizing the knowledge, skill and seniority that a member can achieve within the Division and as a non Administration rating once attained remains a permanent rating and is not be subject to the Region Transfer downgrade rule in reference to the Global Rating Policy of VATSIM.

• A Senior Controller (C3) rating is required in order to apply for and be accepted as a Senior Instructor (INS+)
• A Senior Controller (C3) rating is required in order for the optional “Roaming Permission” endorsement being granted.

Requirements

Senior Controller (CTR+) – Option 1

• Available one year after obtaining the Controller (C1) rating
• Must have served at least 250 cumulative hours as a C1 on any ATC position (Pilot, ATIS and OBS hours are not counted)
• Must have served 15 hours on a position outside the home vACC (within the VATSIM Europe Region), not taking into account vACC transfers in the past
• Must have passed a CPT (online/sweatbox to be determined by the VATEUD TD) with at least 1 divisional examiner and preferably 1 local examiner

Optional Roaming Endorsement

If the Candidate wishes to get a “Roaming Endorsement” the candidate can opt for the CPT  to alternatively take place at a non-known and random Fir/vACC. In this case the CPT will take place at a non-known or random airport to be chosen randomly by the Local home vACC examiner and a VATEUD examiner giving 30 days notice from the date of the CPT. The candidate can submit a list of preferred CPT areas not to exceed 5 but there is no guarantee that the chosen CPT area will be amongst the wish list.

The test will focus on the following:

• Ability to service multiple airports/positions
• Ability to handle IFR and VFR flights sharing the same airspace.
• Ability to handle the “unexpected”
• Steady traffic-flow
• Traffic awareness
• Keeping “the big picture”
• Ability to coordinate with adjacent controllers
• Ability to use correct phraseology in English

Senior Controller (CTR+) – Option 2

• Available one year after obtaining the Controller (C1) rating
• Must have served at least 500 cumulative hours as a C1 on any ATC position (Pilot, ATIS and OBS hours are not counted) of which 120 must have been served in the last twelve months prior to upgrade
• Must have served 25 hours on a position outside the home vACC (within the VATSIM Europe Region), not taking into account vACC transfers in the past
• Must have received an upgrade recommendation from 2 current Senior Controllers, preferably the director and training director of the home vACC (if applicable)

Notes subject to Divisional Policy amendment

1. If a local vACC Training Department is unable to arrange the CPT within a reasonable timeframe after having been requested to do so by the member, and upon the Theory Exam having been passed successfully the member can opt to forego the local Examiner conducting the CPT at a known field and request that a VATEUD examiner steps in and conducts the CPT (whose evaluation will be final) at a randomly chosen Field, however Roaming endorsement will not be considered in this case.

2. Roaming endorsement means that the successful Senior Controller will be listed on the main VATEUD website with Name, CID, Home vACC and Rating as being endorsed to move freely across all the VATEUD Division and deemed capable and skilled enough to open any Non Major position at will at any time, subject to:

• Having studied and being aware of local procedures, charts, AIP, LOA’s etc.
• The Position not being in use or reserved by a local Controller
• Agreeing to vacate the position if a local vACC Controller does so ask, for the avoidance of doubt such a request needs to be made by a local vACC staff member, of equal or higher rating and giving a good reason.
• Manning of a Major position at any vACC is subject to GRP2 and the local rules specified by the corresponding vACC, including the need for special or local endorsements.
• Roaming endorsement is a Divisional discretion and may be revoked or amended at the discretion of VATEUD management.

5.6 Instructor (I)

Instructor is an Administration Function based on VACC Director recommendation and tasks performed within the VACC.

This is the absolute top function which is achieved based on knowledge and teaching skills.
This will be hard to earn and the function comes with a number of requisitions:

Definition
The function of Instructor is a combination of SKILL and TEACHING.
Instructors are persons who are prepared to dedicate time and effort passing the gained knowledge and experience to the others, most notably to local VACC’s Mentors and Trainers.

Minimum Requirements

1. Should have above average knowledge of VATSIM, VATEUR and VATEUD rules and regulations.
2. Should have excellent knowledge of ATC matters.
3. Should have great pedagogic skills.
4. Should have good command of English both written and spoken.
5. Must have completed the ATC Instructor Course.
6. Must have passed the Practical Instructor Test.
7. Must not have any bad history in VATSIM.
8. Must be nominated by the local VACC director (or the Training Director subject to prior agreement from the Director)
9. Must be approved (i.e. actual recommendation issued) by VATEUD 2 or VATEUD 3

Duties

1. Instructors are expected to assist the local Vacc Training Departments where needed
2. Instructors may not have any specific task at any given time, but if requested by VATEUD to undertake special projects from time to time in relation to training will act on this.
3. Instructors are encouraged but not obliged to become ATC Academy Teachers
4. Instructors must log a minimum of 150 hours per year to maintain the function, the 150 hours are counted as on line ATC either active or in training mode, not in Observer mode and not in flying mode.

Termination

1. The instructor function will be terminated in the event the position held in a VACC, related to the function, is discontinued. The individual will be set back to his last held controller  VATSIM Rating.
2. In the event an instructor fails to comply with the General Rules and Regulations of VATSIM / VATEUR / VATEUD.
3. An audit  as to on line hours will be computed quarterly from January 1st of each year, Instructors who have not logged this minimum time will receive written notification that they are failing to comply with INS requirements. If performance does not improve suitably by the next audit, the INS will lose his/her rating and will  be set back to the previously held rating held.
4. Genuine, mitigating circumstances will of course be taken into consideration.

5.7 Senior Instructor (SI)

Available only when needed by VATEUD.

Senior Instructor is an Administration Function based on VACC Director recommendation and tasks performed within VATEUD-TD.
It cannot be gained by regular theory or practical progress and does not form part of Euro Test.

Definition

The function of Senior Instructor is a combination of SKIL, TEACHING and EXPERIENCE.
Senior Instructors are persons who are prepared to dedicate time and effort passing the gained knowledge and experience to the others.

Minimum Requirements

1. Should have superior knowledge of VATSIM, VATEUR and VATEUD rules and regulations
2. Should have excellent knowledge of ATC matters
3. Should have great pedagogic skills
4. Should have good command of English both written and spoken
5. Must not have any bad history in VATSIM
6. Must have served as a Senior Controller for at least 100 hours ONLINE before being eligible for this function.(The minimum rating or time can be waived by VATEUD1 or VATEUD2 if pertinent reasons exist to award an Instructor function for specific purposes)
7. Must have participated in at least 5 CPT’s during the last year as an Examiner.
8. May be recommended by local Vacc Directors
9. Must be approved by majority by VATEUD1, VATEUD 2 and VATEUD 12

Duties

1. Senior Instructors are linked to the VATEUD Training Department
2. Senior Instructors are expected to assist local Vacc Training Departments where needed
3. Senior Instructors may not have any specific task at any given time, but if requested by VATEUD, to undertake special projects from time to time in relation to training.
4. Senior Instructors are encouraged but not obliged to become ATC Academy Teachers..

Termination

1. In the event an instructor fails to comply with the General Rules and Regulations of VATSIM / VATEUR / VATEUD.
2. Yearly audit as to INS+ activity will be conducted. A significant component of this is on line time which would be expected to be similar to that of INS. However this is at the discretion of the VATEUD Training Deparment. Contributions will be evaluated on the whole, and the decision as to whether and INS+ should mantain his rating is subject to the majority vote from VATEUD1, VATEUD2 and VATEUD12.

5.8 Fast Track Upgrade

Available for Real Life Air Traffic Controllers and Commercial and Airline Pilots.

NEED TO CONTACT VATEUD TRAINING DIRECTOR (VATEUD2)

This program is applicable to real life Air Traffic Controllers and pilots holding Commercial Pilot or Airline Pilot License aiming at reducing the time required for theoretical examination in ATSimTest.

In this program, applicants are obliged to take the relevant ATSimTest theory test as well as the Controller Practical Test (CPT) for the targeted rating.

The procedure for Fast Track program is as follows:

1. Candidate for the Fast Track program applies to his/her vACC Director or Training Manager for Fast Track program with the evidence that he/she holds a valid CP or ATP License. The best acceptable evidence is the copy of his/her License. (*) A brief resume explaining the real life aviation experience of the candidate is also required.
2. The vACC Director or Training Manager confirms to VATEUD Training Department that the applicant is eligible for the Fast Track program.
3. VATEUD Training Director grants candidate access to the Fast Track program.
4. Those candidates that are not members of an official vACC, should apply to the VATEUD Training Director to be considered for inclusion in the Fast Track program.
5. The CPT for the targeted rating (and any rating level below if deemed necessary), will be conducted by the local vACCs Training Department, as stipulated by Divisional Policy and the Global Rating Policy. The respective vACC must prove the candidate’s practical abilities for all rating levels up to and including the targeted rating, i.e. skills related to Controller Clients such as VRC or Euroscope. Practical Tests are to be conducted at the respective vACCs discretion.
   For candidates with no official vACC, the VATEUD Training Department will assume responsibility for assessing the candidate’s proficiency.
6. Refusal of “Fast Track Upgrade” application is the discretion of VATEUD Training Department if the applicant ...

• … fails to submit his real life licenses and/or relevant documents.
• … proves to have bad VATSIM record.
• … displays immature behavior.
• … fails to understand and comply with the concepts of virtual controlling.
• … fails to pass 3 ATSimTest theory tests.

(*) VATEUD Training Department may ask applicant to submit the copy of the License any time.

6. TRANSFER FROM OTHER NETWORKS

In order to encourage members from other networks and at the same time taking into consideration their virtual experience in the other network, VATEUD Training Department has implemented a standard transfer policy.

6.1 Transfers from IVAO

All transferring members are eligible to apply once for acceptance in the rating corresponding to their last rating held in IVAO for at least six months.

• All IVAO members holding ACC (Center Controller)] level and above can apply for C1 Level.
• All IVAO members holding APC (Approach Controller) level can apply for S3 level.
• All IVAO members holding ADC (Aerodrome Controller) level can apply for S2 level.
• Any IVAO member holding INS level or above wishing to transfer shall contact VATEUD1 or VATEUD2 directly. Since INS level is no controller rating but a functional rating a transfer shall usually take place to C1 level.

All transferring members will need to pass the relevant ATSimTest theory test for the target rating. The test can only be retaken twice after failing it.

The CPT for the targeted rating (and any rating level below if deemed necessary), will be conducted by the local vACC’s Training Department, as stipulated by Divisional Policy and the Global Rating Policy. The respective vACC must prove the candidate’s practical abilities for all rating levels up to and including the targeted rating, i.e. skills related to Controller Clients such as VRC or Euroscope. Practical Tests are to be conducted at the respective vACCs discretion.

For candidates with no official vACC, the VATEUD Training Department will assume responsibility for assessing the candidate’s proficiency.

In order to process a transfer application the followings are also required:

• Recommendation or introduction from the relevant vACC Director.
• Proof of IVAO Rating being claimed by the transferring member.

Refusal of transferring of the last hold rating in IVAO is at the discretion of VATEUD Training Department if the applicant...

• … fails to submit evidence of the claimed IVAO rating.
• … fails to meet the set rating requirements.
• … proves to have bad VATSIM record.
• … displays immature behavior.
• … fails to understand and comply with the concepts of virtual controlling.
• … fails to pass 3 consecutive tests. 

Please note that the above policy is not mandatory. VATEUD Training Department will implement this policy upon receiving a transfer request from the relevant vACC Director. Otherwise, the General and Binding rules of minimum requirements for upgrading will apply.

6.2 Transfer from other networks

For the time being there are no other transfer rules in force. Members transferring from other networks than IVAO are deemed to be new members and shall proceed as normal.