Controller Rating Requirements at VATEUD

Updated January 2008

1. General Information
2. Important Information/ News updates!
3. Upgrade Request
4. Voice Com Rating
5. Controller Ratings and Required Knowledge
    5.1 Student (S)
    5.2 Senior Student (SS)
    5.3 Controller (C)
    5.4 Senior Controller (SC)
    5.5 Instructor (I)
    5.6 Senior Instructor (SI)
    5.7 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

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2. IMPORTANT INFORMATION

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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.

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4. VOICE COM RATING

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 5. CONTROLLER RATINGS AND REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

      5.1 Aerodrome Controller (Student) (S)

Available after having logged some 20 hours as Observer whilst studying the required theory for Student Rating.
Written test with simple, basic knowledge.
A Student needs to know how to use various software programs used for online controlling such as ASRC or VRC or Euroscope, as well as basic knowledge about ancillary programs such as ServInfo etc. at beginners level.
ATC knowledge is still at a minimum basic level and is focused on Ground, Delivery and Tower operations.

NEED TO KNOW:  Knowledge about all sections marked with [S] in the theory manual

- Basic software features
- Basic organization knowledge
- What information is presented on the virtual radar screen  
- How to log in and start up an ATC position
- What a radar blip/label means
- How to communicate on an ATC channel and Private chat box
- Who is on-line, and frequencies other controllers are using
- Change frequency and monitor two frequencies or all frequencies
- How to hand off or accept hand over’s 
- How  to obtain weather information or ATIS information
- Ground traffic movements 
- Tower responsibilities
- Basic Difference between IFR and VFR
- Clearance phraseology for start-up, taxi, takeoff, approach and landing, use of ATIS

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Available 30 days after receiving the(S) Rating and serving 30 hours as Air Traffic Controller.
Written test, needs satisfactory knowledge.
A SS needs to know how to handle the various software programs in use
ATC knowledge is at an intermediary level and is focused on Approach and Departure operations.

NEED TO KNOW: Knowledge about all sections marked with [SS] in the theory manual

- How to obtain weather information for different airports
- Knowledge of ICAO airport codes
- Navigation procedures for pilots, including SID/STAR
- Radar vectoring (heading, radials, vectoring T's, speed used)
- Aircraft limitations (turn radius, cruise altitude/cruise speed/approach speed)
- Difference between Altitude / Flightlevel
- Advanced Clearance phraseology for start-up, taxi, takeoff, approach and landing, use of ATIS
- When to use the terms cleared and approved.
- Assignment of correct runways to use
- Advanced Ground traffic movements
- Advanced Tower responsibilities
- Delivery responsibilities
- Approach responsibilities

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Available 60 days after receiving the(SS) Rating and serving 75 cumulative hours as Air Traffic Controller.
Written test, needs good knowledge.
This is a high standard position! Basically you have to show above average knowledge of topics possible to simulate in ASRC or VRC or Euroscope.

Practical test is required.

NEED TO KNOW: Knowledge about all sections marked with [C] in the theory manual

- ATC clearance items for IFR
- Correct ICAO clearance phraseology for start-up, taxi, takeoff, approach and landing, use of ATIS
- Initial contact at arrival: Report, ATIS, runway in use, intentions (vector’s, SID, STAR)
- VFR/IFR differences
- RVSM rules
- Knowledge of the Airspace Control system and which ATC does what
- Good ability to decode the METAR weather codes
- QNH versus standard setting, Transition Layer, altitude, flight level
- Navigation beacon types, limitations, airways, fixes
- Standard ILS, VOR and NDB Approaches (difference in minima's, effect on aircraft separation)
- Holding procedures
- Go around procedures
- Procedural flying
- Minimum Altitudes: Obstacle clearance, MORA, MOCA, minimum radar altitude
- Ability to interpret ATC-relevant information in SAS or Jeppesen manuals
- Ability to interpret SAS or Jeppesen ASIR/IAL cards, as well as Route Charts
- Correct use of ATC, test knowledge of all items described above
- Handling emergency traffic (consequences)
- Lost communication procedures
- Non radar procedures (transponder failure or radar failure), reporting
- Runway state messages
- Assignments of runways (selection criteria)
- Good knowledge of the Airspace Control system and which ATC does what

- Advanced Delivery responsibilities
- Advanced Approach responsibilities
- Center responsibilities
- FSS responsibilities

Practical test (CPT) required!

PRACTICAL TEST (CPT - Controller Position Test)
At preferred (known) Airport(s)
Minimum traffic : 15 movements in 1 hour or 25 movements in 2 hours - 80% inbound and 20% outbound
Position: Approach with no Tower/Ground at the main airport(s)

The test will focus on the following...
- Steady traffic-flow (no delays, no execisive separation)
- Traffic awareness (able to improvise from the plan made in case of emergencies)
- Keeping “the big picture” (so no pilot is forgotten and all served equal)
- Ability to coordinate with adjacent controllers
- Ability to use correct phraseology

The test should reflect normal day operation more than a made-up test situation.
What extra that is needed will be made up by the Examiner(s) (emergencies and likes).

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Available 100 days after receiving the (C) Rating and serving 150 cumulative hours as Air Traffic Controller.
This is the top Controller rating and will not be easily earned unless you have an excellent standard. The reason is that this rating should reflect that you are able to handle all possible traffic situations, which can be simulated in VATSIM

A Senior Controller Rating is a minimum requirement needed in order to man a Euro Center position. 

Practical test is required.

NEED TO KNOW: Knowledge about all sections marked with [SC] in the theory manual

- Ability to interpret all ATC-related information in SAS/Jeppesen manuals and CAA AIP
- Of special importance is the ability to interpret ASIR/IAL cards and Route Charts
- Airplane limitations (wind, runway length, speeds)
- Airport code system (ICAO and IATA)
- Lost communications procedures. Emergency X-ponder settings
- Height, altitude, elevation
- Influence high/low QNH
- Separation in air and on the ground (for take off/landing and en route)
- RVSM rules
- Operational Minima and equipment requirements for CAT I, II, III
- IAS, TAS, GS,
- Difference between Heading, Track, importance of Drift
- ETA, EAT, Slot times
- Getting information when you do not know
- Monitor aircraft speed/altitude/track versus clearance and intentions
- Holding: Entries, times, speeds
- Full knowledge of the Airspace system including odd/even Flight Levels and level separation
- Knowledge of what VFR and Special VFR means
- Knowledge of how to handle a VFR-Flight Plan
- Full Knowledge of all components in the Airspace Control system
- Basic Knowledge of Euro-Control responsibilities
- Advanced Center responsibilities
- Advanced FSS responsibilities


Practical tests (CPT) required!

PRACTICAL TEST (CPT - Controller Position Test)
At known FIR
Minimum traffic : 25 movements in 1 hour or 40 movements in 2 hours - 80% inbound, 15% outbound and 5% overflying
Position : Center with no Approach at any airports - Tower and Ground allowed at the main airport(s) but not at regional/local airports.

The test will focus on the following...
- Ability to service multiple airports
- Steady traffic-flow
- Traffic awareness
- Keeping “the big picture”
- Ability to coordinate with adjacent controllers
- Ability to use correct phraseology

The test should reflect normal day operation with dense traffic more than a made-up test situation.
What extra that is needed will be made up by the Examiner(s) (emergencies and likes).

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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 Written Instructor Theory Test
7. Must have passed the Practical Instructor Test.
8. Must not have any bad history in VATSIM.
9. 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 VATEUR1, VATEUD1 or VATEUD2 if pertinent reasons exist to award an Instructor function for specific purposes)
10. Must be nominated by the local VACC director
11. 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 official VATSIM Rating.
2. In the event an instructor fails to comply with the General Rules and Regulations of VATSIM / VATEUR / VATEUD.
3. Yearly audit as to on line hours will be computed on May 1st each year, Instructors who have not logged this minimum time will receive written notification and be set back to the previously held rating held.

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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 instructor at least one year logging 200 hours on line.
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 VATEUD 2 or VATEUD 3

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.
5. Senior Instructors must log a minimum of 150 hours per year to maintain the function.

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 on line hours will be computed on May 1st each year, Instructors who have not logged this minimum time will receive written notification and be set back to the previously held rating held.

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Available for Real World Air Traffic Controllers and Commercial or Airline Pilots.

NEED TO CONTACT VATEUD TRAINING DIRECTOR

This is the program applicable to real life Air Traffic Controllers and pilots holding Commercial Pilot or Airline Pilot Licence aiming to eliminate time requirement for Eurotest for each level.
Under this program applicants are still obliged to take the written exams. However, they are not restricted with the time requirements for each level. The Eurotest for the next level will be sent to the candidate as soon as his current level becomes active.
 
The procedure for Fast Track program is as follows.

1. Candidate for FAST TRACK program applies to his/her vACC Director or Training Manager for Fast Track program with the evidence that he/she is holding valid CP or ATP Licience. The best acceptable evidence is the copy of his/her Licence. (*)
   A brief resume explaining the real life aviation experience of the candidate is also required.
2. The vACC Director or Training Manager confirms VATEUD TRAINING DEPARTMENT that the applicant is eligible for FAST TRACK program.
3. VATEUD Training Director grants applicant the FAST TRACK program.
4. Those candidates with no official vACC should make the FAST TRACK application to VATEUD TRAINING DIRECTOR
5. Refusal of FAST TRACK UPGRADE application is at the option 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 consecutive STUDENT tests.

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


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 6. TRANSFER FROM OTHER NETWORKS

In order to encourage members of other networks, and at the same time taking into consideration their virtual experience in the competing network, VATEUD TD have implemented a standard transfer policy.

       6.1 Transfer from IVAO

• All transferring members will be "accepted" to one level below their held level in IVAO.
• All transferring members will need to pass the relevant Eurotest theory test and pass related CPT.
• All IVAO members holding C2 and C3 levels will start from C Level. (*)
• All IVAO members holding C1 level will start from SS level.
• All IVAO members holding S3 and S2 level will start from S level.
• Any IVAO member holding INS level and above wishing to transfer should contact VATEUD2 or VATEUD3 direct.

In order to process these applications we will also require the followings:

1. Recommendation or introduction from the relevant VACC DIRECTOR.
2. Proof of IVAO Rating being claimed by the transferring member.

Please note that the above policy is not mandatory.

VATEUD TRAINING Department will implement the policy upon receiving such a demand from the vACC Director. Otherwise the General and Binding rules of minimum requirements for upgrading will apply.

This policy entered into force on May 1st 2005.

(*) VACC Director may apply "Over shoulder Check ride" instead of CPT.

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       6.2 Transfer from other networks than IVAO

At this moment in time, there are no other transfer rules in force.
Members transferring from other networks than IVAO are deemed to be new members and should proceed as normal.

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