ATC Training

The image above was captured during an Auckland Approach training session in the ATC simulator.

The trainee approach controller (APP) has planned the first four arrivals in the following order: ANZ5, LAN801, ANZ402, and CPA8017. They've 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. Given this "hot and high" state, the trainee may need to intervene tactically to 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 a decision.

Further out, the trainee is positioning QTR914 to trail ANZ124. To the south, ANZ678 will need to slot into the sequence, either ahead of ANZ124 or behind QTR914. Again, the trainee is letting them run a little longer before deciding. The TWR controller has just called, requesting APP to increase the gap between arrivals to 10 nautical miles, further complicating the situation.

Meanwhile, vertical separation (1000ft) has just been lost between FJI410 (an Airbus A330 climbing through 9400ft for FL250 and tracking to waypoint MEMOR) and 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.

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 keeps arrivals into Whenuapai from the south clear of the Auckland approach and departure fans. However, it conflicts with ANZ124 and QTR914, so the trainee will have to issue HER11 altitude instructions to maintain vertical separation from those two aircraft.  

Please click on the links below to search for courses and learn more. Note that you must be signed in to the VATNZ website via your VATSIM credentials to register for a course.