The Training Process

The ATC Training courses follow a consistent general process.

Courses comprise two key stages: theoretical study, followed by a written examination, and practical training, culminating in a practical examination.

To manage our student database effectively, we'd prefer that students complete the theory component and apply for practical training within 90 days of enrolment. If theory training is not completed within this time, records become liable for purging from the system unless prior arrangements have been made.

That said, we would also prefer that candidates take the theory training seriously; too often, we have S1 candidates sit the written examination multiple times within a day or two of enrolment. As a guide, we expect candidates to dedicate at least a week to thoroughly covering the materials before applying to sit the written examination, and we require a 72-hour stand-down period between each attempt. Candidates who do not follow these rules can expect significant delays in their progression. Typically, this will include a referral to the Training Manager before being placed at the end of the queue for mentor assignments, so as not to disadvantage candidates who are familiar with finding instructions and then reading and following them. 

Where possible, after 60 days, those who have only partially completed the written test will receive a reminder e-mail advising that they have 30 days to complete their tests and apply for practical training.

Theory
Once a student's enrolment has been accepted, they are given access to the Course Training Materials, which they use to study the course's theory content. Typically, this is followed by a written examination covering the information contained in the materials. Completing the theory examination enables the student to proceed to the practical training phase. Students may require multiple attempts at the theory test, with no limit. However, a 72-hour "cooling-off" period must be observed between each attempt. The advantage of waiting, apart from giving students the time to hone their studies, is avoiding a separate test with the Training Manager if the cooling-off period is not observed. The written examination ensures that students understand the course's theoretical components, which form the basis for their practical training.

Practical
Practical training consists of one-on-one practical sessions with a trainer.

Mentors use the ATC simulator training platform for most courses to teach the required practical skills. These sessions are supplemented with live sessions on the VATSIM network (except for the initial S1 rating, which is carried out entirely on the simulator).

These sessions continue until the mentor signs off on their student as ready for the practical examination.

Practical Examination
The final phase of each course is the Practical Examination. This is conducted by a VATNZ-rated examiner, typically one who has not been involved in this student's training. The student is evaluated against the elements of the course syllabus, and the examiner decides whether the student has the required skills and knowledge. The practical examination is designed to assess whether a student can operate in a position without the assistance of a trainer. Practical examinations are typically carried out on the ATC simulator. Uncommonly, an evaluation may be carried out on the network, in which case the examiner publicly announces that a practical examination will occur. If the examiner believes that further mentoring is required, the student will be redirected to their mentor with guidance on additional training areas.

Once the examiner determines that the student meets the course completion requirements, they recommend to the Training Director or Training Manager that the student be upgraded. The Training Director or Training Manager will typically apply whatever rewards are associated with completing the course—e.g., upgrading the student's controller rating or adding an endorsement to their controller record—and officially mark the student as having completed the course.

For trainees who are close to meeting the standard required for the practical examination, a "solo endorsement" authorisation may be granted, allowing students to operate solo in a position under conditions specified by their trainer.