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Courses

VATNZ offers four basic ATC courses: Developing Controller, Aerodrome Controller, Terminal Controller, and Enroute Controller. The VATNZ Developing Controller course is not stand-alone; it is designed to dovetail directly into the Aerodrome Controller course without interruption.

Additionally, training for the Procedural Approach Control Endorsement is available to qualified aerodrome controllers, and training for the Oceanic Procedural Control Endorsement is available to qualified en enroute controllers.

Controllers from other divisions may also gain a "visiting controller" approval to operate in VATNZ airspace.

Instructor courses are also available. At VATNZ, we train selected approach and higher-rated controllers to serve as mentors, instructors, and examiners within the department. Mentors receive the I1 rating after completing a specialised training course, while the VATNZ Board awards the Senior Instructor (I3) rating.

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

Theory
Once an enrolment is accepted, access is gained to the theory Course Training Materials. This is typically followed by a written examination covering the material. Passing the theory examination allows the student to proceed to the practical training phase. As a guide, we expect candidates to spend at least a week thoroughly covering the material 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 additional delays in their progression, including referral to the Training Manager and possibly placement at the end of the queue for mentor assignments, to avoid disadvantaging candidates who are familiar with finding and following instructions. 

Practical
Practical training consists of one-on-one sessions with a trainer using the ATC simulator, plus some online sessions. Mentors use the ATC simulator training platform for most courses to teach the required practical skills. These sessions are supplemented by live sessions on the VATSIM network (except for the initial Developing Controller course, which is conducted entirely in 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. If the examiner believes further mentoring is required, the student will be redirected to their mentor, who will guide them on additional training areas.

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.