Training Course

Procedural Approach Controller course

Skills

Course Briefing:

Welcome to the Procedural Approach Controller training module. This module is an optional course that gives rated aerodrome controllers an insight into the role of a procedural (non-surveillance) approach controller. These so-called "procedural towers" utilise pilot position reports, rather than surveillance (e.g., radar), to provide approach control services to arriving and departing aircraft. The VATSIM Global Controller Administration Policy (GCAP) allows an aerodrome controller to demonstrate additional competencies (GCAP Tier 2) beyond those associated with the aerodrome controller rating before operating a procedural approach control position.

Procedural towers are listed in the Controllers section of the VATNZ website. Rated aerodrome controllers are not authorised to operate these positions until they have demonstrated competency in this module. Controllers holding an approach or higher qualification are not required to undertake this course; however, it is highly recommended. 

This course provides the training and assessment necessary to obtain a Procedural Approach Control endorsement as an aerodrome controller.

In VATNZ domestic airspace, procedural towers are located at Gisborne, Napier, New Plymouth, Nelson, Dunedin, and Invercargill. Aerodrome controllers at these aerodromes provide procedural approach control alongside aerodrome control.

This course will teach the principles and techniques of procedural approach control and train students to safely and expeditiously move traffic into and out of the control area.

Prerequisite:

At least 20 hours total online as an aerodrome controller post-qualification.

Theory component:

Study of the course materials followed by a written examination. You must score 80% or better to progress to the practical training.

Practical component:

Training is conducted on the ATC  simulator, connected to the network, or by offline discussion at various locations. Students must gain proficiency (not necessarily mastery) in each lesson before proceeding to the next.

Lesson 1: Setup, SOPs, & weather

Session Type: SweatBox or online mentoring

Location: NZNS

Topics:

1. Set up ATC client
2. Review theory assessment answers 
3. Nelson SOPs and airspace dimensions
4. Nelson SIDs and STARs
5. Instrument approaches
6. Visual approaches
7. Departure instructions
8. Frequency change instructions 
9. VFR handling
10. Providing a flight information service
11. Co-ordination

Lesson 2: IFR training flights

Session Type: Simulator, online mentoring, or offline discussion

Location: NZNS

1. RNAV 
2. Non-RNAV (VOR)
3. Holding patterns

Lesson 3: Consolidation on the network

Session Type: VATSIM

Location: NZNS

Consolidation of learning with instructor logged in either as NZCH-T_CTR, providing co-ordination, or as NZNZ_M_TWR

Lesson 4: Walkthrough of NZDN and NZNR procedures

Session Type: Offline

General discussion reviewing aerodrome SOP, SID, STAR, and airspace dimensions as per previous lessons.

Assessment:

Upon the student's proficiency in all lessons, mentors may sign off on the student without further assessment. The Training Director or Training Manager then adds the student's name to the list of procedural approach controllers.