Training CourseAerodrome Controller course
Skills
Prerequisite:
Developing Controller (S1) rating
Theory component:
Study of the aerodrome controller course materials followed by a written examination. Candidates must score 80% or better to progress to the practical training. Observe the 72-hour rule between examination attempts.
The theoretical study focuses on aerodrome control theory and scenario-based situations.
Practical component:
Training is conducted on the ATC simulator at NZAA (and later in the course at NZWN and NZCH) and through mentored online sessions. The focus is on higher traffic levels, more complex scenarios than those in the Developing Controller course, and aerodrome control in general. Students must gain proficiency (not necessarily mastery) in each lesson before proceeding to the next.
Lesson 1: Setup, SOPs, & Weather
Session Type: General discussion/Simulator
Topics:
- Review the written examination
- Review METAR interpretation
- Review runway selection
- Review ATIS setup
- Review NZAA SOP
Lesson 2: DEL and GND Revision
Session Type: Simulator
Topics:
- DEL and GND revision
Lesson 3: IFR arrival and departure integration
Session Type: Simulator
Topics:
- Line-up, conditional line-up clearances
- Take-off, qualified take-off clearances
- Sequencing streamed departures
- Integrating arrivals and departures
- Landing and qualified landing clearances
- Go-arounds and missed approaches
- Coordination
Lesson 4: VFR circuits
Session Type: Simulator and discussion
Topics:
- Simple circuits
- Low-level
- Non-standard direction
- Glide approaches
- Short approaches
- Orbits
- Touch and go/stop and go
- Non-routine instructions (CLIMB STRAIGHT AHEAD, EARLY CROSSWIND TURN, etc.)
Lesson 5: VFR arrivals and departures
Session Type: Simulator and discussion
Topics:
- Departures
- Arrivals
- Helicopters
Lesson 6: Network connection 1 - DEL/GND
Session Type: VATSIM student logs onto NZAA GND, mentor logs on to NZAA_M_GND (but if no controller covering aerodrome control, may log onto TWR)
Topics:
1. DEL and GND - operational experience
Lesson 7: Network connection 2 - Aerodrome control operating experience
Session Type: VATSIM student logs onto NZAA_TWR. Mentor must log onto NZAA_M_TWR.
Topics:
- Connecting to the network
- Selecting the duty runway
- Issuing ATIS
- Consolidation
Lesson 8: Network connection 3 - Consolidation
Session Type: VATSIM NZAA_TWR/NZAA_M_TWR
Topics:
- Consolidation with the mentor (may comprise several sessions).
- Per 6.2.2 of the S1 training policy, students may be approved to connect without a mentor when they have reached proficiency in all exercises.
- The mentor may now monitor student progress by logging onto NZAA_ APP or another adjacent position.
Lesson 9: NZWN
Session Type: Simulator and online
Topics:
- NZWN experience
- (Pre-read NZWN SOP)
Lesson 10: NZCH
Session Type: Simulator and online
Topics:
- NZCH experience
- (Pre-read NZCH SOP)
Lesson 11: Pre-assessment revision
Session Type: Simulator
Topics:
- All topics
Practical Examination:
Session type: Simulator assessment
A practical evaluation covering all topics in line with the VATNZ syllabus.
Awarded On Completion
- Aerodrome Controller rating (VATSIM rating S2, not valid for procedural approach control).
Mentors
- Fenton Loveday – Training Manager/Senior Instructor
- Ben Marling – Instructor
- Gary Parata – Training Director/Senior Instructor
- Bence Russell – Mentor
- James Stuart – Instructor
Requirements
To enrol in this course you must meet the following requirements:
| Requirement | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Minimum Controller Rating | Ground Controller |
| Division | Must be a member of one of the following divisions:
|
"Ground controller" refers to the VATSIM S1 rating.
Despite the above, VATPAC members may not enrol in this course. However, the above instruction allows VATPAC members to access the course materials by mutual agreement.