Training CourseDeveloping Controller course (S1 rating)
Skills
Welcome to the Developing Controller course! This is the first course that prospective controllers undertake.
There are two components to the course.
Theory component:
The theory component focuses on knowledge of pre-departure information, processing flight plans, issuing route clearances, using the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the aerodrome, and surface movement operations. Some basic Tower theory is included. The theory component concludes with a written examination, in which candidates must score at least 80% to progress.
If multiple attempts are required to pass the examination, candidates must observe a 72-hour "cooling-off" period between each attempt. Candidates not observing the 72-hour rule are referred to the Training Director or Training Manager, imposing a significant delay before progression to the practical component.
Practical component:
The practical component comprises tutorial discussion and using the EuroScope client and the "SweatBox" ATC simulator over five programmed lessons. Note that some lessons may require more than one session to reach proficiency before moving to the next lesson. The practical component concludes with a practical examination.
Lesson 1: Setup, SOPs, & Weather
Session Type: General discussion
Topics:
- Review written examination(s)
- Review the VATSIM Code of Conduct (CoC)
- Review the VATSIM Global Controller Administration Policy (GCAP)
- Review the VATNZ ATC Training Policy
- Review the VATNZ online resources, including SOP
- Interpreting METAR
Lesson 2: Clearance Delivery Duties
Session Type: SweatBox (NZAA)
Topics:
- Setting up the EuroScope controller client
- Connecting to the SweatBox simulator and checking the EuroScope controller client configuration
- Flight plan processing
- Route selection
- Standard Route Clearances (SRC) and using the SRC tool
- Filed altitude/flight level checking
- SID and transitions
- Squawk codes
- Introduction to radiotelephony techniques
- Clearance delivery
- Handover to Ground
- Runway changes (DEL)
Lesson 3: IFR departures - ground movements
Session Type: SweatBox (NZAA)
Topics:
- Push-back and start-up procedures
- Taxi instructions
- Conflict examples and resolution
- Coordination and handover to TWR
Lesson 4: VFR departure clearances and ground movements
Session Type: SweatBox (NZAA)
Topics:
- VFR departure clearances
- clearance delivery
- routing instructions
- level instructions
- VFR start-up approvals, taxiing and coordination with TWR
Lesson 5: Consolidation
Session Type: SweatBox (NZAA)
Topics: all topics. Significant event-level ground traffic must be included in training sessions to ensure effective preparation.
Assessment:
Session type: SweatBox assessment (NZAA)
A practical evaluation covering all topics.
Awarded On Completion
Developing Controller (S1) rating
Mentors
- Adam Baikie – Mentor
- Tom Gregory – Mentor
- Fenton Loveday – Training Manager/Senior Instructor
- Tom Lyall – Instructor
- Ben Marling – Instructor
- Gary Parata – Training Director/Senior Instructor
- Grant Powell – Mentor
- Mark Richards – Senior Instructor
- Bence Russell – Mentor
- James Stuart – Instructor
- Connor Sumner – Instructor
Requirements
To enrol in this course you must meet the following requirements:
| Requirement | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Minimum Controller Rating | Observer |
| Division | Must be a member of one of the following divisions:
|
In addition, candidates require at least 50 hours of total time as a pilot connected to VATSIM over a minimum period of 90 days. In exceptional circumstances, the prerequisite may be scaled or waived in consultation with the Training Director (e.g., for candidates with relevant alternative experience).
Please note that candidates must have VATNZ as their home Division. Despite the note above, VATPAC members cannot enrol in VATNZ courses. However, VATPAC controllers may access VATNZ course materials by reciprocal agreement, which is why the note exists - it allows this access.