ATC Training
Welcome to the VATNZ Virtual Air Traffic Control (ATC) Training homepage!
This is where VATSIM New Zealand members can learn how to train as virtual air traffic controllers in VATNZ airspace and learn other valuable skills. Take a look at the picture.
The above image was captured from an Auckland Approach training session in the ATC simulator. The trainee approach controller has planned the first four arrivals in the following order: ANZ5, LAN801, ANZ402, and CPA8017. The trainee has cleared ANZ5 for the ILS approach to runway 23L at Auckland (the cluster of blue targets) via waypoint EMRAG. The No. 2 aircraft, LAN801, is also tracking to EMRAG but is relatively high and fast, descending through 13,800 ft with a high ground speed of 333 knots. Being this "hot and high", it may need a tactical intervention from the trainee to help manage the excess energy. Increasing the aircraft's track miles with radar vectors will help, but this will likely require the trainee to adjust the arrival sequence. For example, ANZ402 may need to be expedited ahead of LAN801 and CPA8017 slowed and/or given a vector to widen its approach behind LAN. It's about 30 seconds too early to tell, so the trainee is letting them run a little longer before making the decision. Further out, the trainee is positioning QTR914 to follow ANZ124 in trail. To the south, ANZ678 will need to slot into the sequence, either ahead of ANZ124 or behind QTR914. The trainee is letting them run a little longer, too, before making a decision. The TWR controller has just called on the "landline" (controller-speak for the intra-controller intercom system, previously known as a "telephone"), requesting Terminal (the trainee's landline callsign) to increase the gap between arrivals to 10 nautical miles, further complicating the situation.
Meanwhile, vertical separation (minimum of 1000ft) has just been lost between the proximate departing traffic FJI410 (an Airbus A330 climbing through 9400ft for FL250 and tracking to waypoint MEMOR) and the arriving CPA8017 (a Boeing 747-8 descending through 8600ft for 8000ft, tracking to VIBAG). Now, the trainee must ensure that horizontal separation (a minimum of 3 nautical miles) is maintained until vertical separation is reestablished. As both aircraft have the same wake turbulence category (/H), wake turbulence avoidance instructions are not required. However, issuing a "CAUTION WAKE TURBULENCE" to FJI410 if it passes close behind might generate feel-good cooing noises from the trainer!
HER11, a C130J, is maintaining FL150 and inbound to Whenuapai (located inside the circle just in front of CPA8017) on an arrival path that will take it directly over Auckland airport. This strategic arrival trajectory is designed to keep Whenuapai arrivals from the south clear of the Auckland approach and departure fans. However, there is a conflict with ANZ124 and QTR914, and so the trainee will have to issue HER11 altitude instructions that preserve vertical separation with those two aircraft.
So, operating as an air traffic controller on the VATSIM network is a fun and rewarding pastime that enhances your VATSIM experience :-).
Our training courses consist of three phases: theory, practice, and a final assessment. We use written and oral examinations to test knowledge gained through studying the material contained in each course, and practical examinations in most final assessments.
VATNZ offers five basic VATSIM ATC ratings: Developing Controller (S1), Aerodrome Controller (S2), Terminal Controller (S3), Enroute Controller (C1), and Senior Controller (C3).
Additionally, training for the Procedural Approach Control Endorsement (VATSIM Tier 2 classification) is available for the S2 rating, and training for the Oceanic Procedural Control Endorsement is available for the C1 rating.
Controllers from other divisions can also gain a "visiting controller" approval to operate in VATNZ airspace.
Specialised Instructor ratings are also available: Instructor (I1) and Senior Instructor (I3).
At VATNZ, we train selected S3- and higher-rated controllers to become mentors, instructors, and assessors in the department.
Four important rules:
1. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to VATSIM and VATNZ before VATNZ will accept candidates for training. The best way to demonstrate such a commitment is to have recorded at least 50 meaningful hours connected to the VATSIM network as a pilot over a period of at least three months, with a meaningful number of flights before registering for training. Alternatively, contacting the Training Director or Training Manager first to explain what commitment to VATSIM and VATNZ could be made may be acceptable, especially for candidates who can demonstrate relevant real-world experience.
2. Candidates for training courses must either be members of VATNZ or S3-rated or higher controllers from another division applying as Visiting Applicants (but see 4. below regarding VATPAC visiting controllers).
3. Visiting Applicants: From 1 June 2024, visiting applicants must have at least 50 hours of experience operating a controller position in their Home Allocation before enrolling in the VATNZ Visiting Controller programme. It is recommended that candidates first enrol in the Visiting Controller (Aerodrome) programme before attempting higher ratings.
4. Visiting controllers from VATPAC: VATPAC controllers (S3 or higher) may operate in VATNZ airspace (as can S3 or higher VATNZ controllers in non-complex VATPAC airspace) without first passing through dedicated training. However, it is recommended that controllers contact a member of the respective training organisation for familiarisation purposes. A differences course is under development.
Please click on the links below to search for courses and learn more. You must be signed in, however, to register for a course.
We trust you'll enjoy your visit! For further information, contact either one of us below.
Gary Parata Training Director VATSIM New Zealand
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Fenton Loveday | ||||||||||
Training Manager | fenton.loveday@vatnz.net | |||||||||
VATSIM New Zealand |