S1 Training [ENG] Contact persons Chief of Section The Chief of Section S1 (CoS) is responsible for organizing and conducting S1 training within the area of responsibility of VATSIM Germany. The mentor team for S1 training is led by the Chief of Section (CoS) for S1 training.  Chiefs of Training Each FIR has a Chief of Training (CoT) responsible for S1 training, who is appointed by the senior mentor in consultation with the CoS S1. The CoTs have the following tasks within their FIR: Integration of S1 controllers into the FIR community, Contact person for all S1 controllers with regard to their own FIR, Questions about the operating instructions (SOP) of the FIR airports, Questions regarding further training for the S2 rating within the FIR, Monitoring or coordinating the monitoring of the work quality of S1 controllers in the respective FIR, Monitoring the validity and adaptation of the SOP tests to the currently valid SOP for all FIR airports, Recruiting people in their own FIR who are suitable as S1 mentors. Training program The training program is organized in the form of compulsory and elective modules. The modules teach participants the social and technical skills necessary to work as an S1 controler. To obtain the S1 rating, all four compulsory modules must be completed. After that, any number of elective modules can be taken. Module 1 is the mandatory introduction to the S1 training program. Module 2 must be completed afterwards. Modules 3 and 4 can be taken in any order after completing Module 2. Once all four compulsory modules have been completed, the VATEUD S1 test is applied for and taken, and the S1 rating is awarded. The requirements, content, and steps of the individual modules are explained in more detail below. Before registering for the S1 training, the following personal requirements should be met: Computer with internet connection and headset Sufficient written and spoken communication skills in English Time and desire to familiarize yourself with the basics of working as a controler Sufficient time to complete the compulsory modules within a reasonable period (1-3 months) Necessary social skills to solve challenges and problems in a team You are assigned to vACC Germany on VATSIM You have registered at moodle.vatger.de Compulsory modules A total of four compulsory modules must be completed. Modules 1, 3, and 4 are conducted synchronously as part of a training course. Module 2 is conducted asynchronously in VATSIM Germany Moodle. The attendance dates are limited to 15 participants. This restriction allows for an appropriate response to participants' questions and ensures that every participant is included in question and answer sessions.   Module 1: Legal foundations, social behavior, and training system Prerequisites Changing your preferred language in the S1 Training center to English Signing up for the Module 1 waiting list Setting up Teamspeak Singning up for a Module 1 session via the S1 Training center Contents Structure of the VATSIM organization Finding contacts in S1 training Finding contacts at the FIR level The role of the VATSIM Germany Air Traffic Control Training Department in training Excerpts from the VATSIM Code of Conduct (CoC), the Global Controller Administration Policy (GCAP), and other regulations governing the work of air traffic controllers Behavior towards pilots Behavior towards other air traffic controllers Booking stations Assigning positions at events Possible consequences of observed misconduct Training process within S1 training Outlook for further training in the FIRs Presentation of the possibilities and limitations as an S1 air traffic controller Access to the Moodle online learning platform Explanation of how to complete Module 2 independently Example of correcting an incorrectly answered question Example of the time limit for completion Successful participation Attentive participation and involvement in discussions Answering the control questions at the end of the training Measures to be taken after the module Independent completion of Module 2 In particular, the handling of legal provisions from the CoC and GCAP is taught using case studies. By highlighting serious misconduct, participants are made aware of their own role in the VATSIM Germany community. A flow chart is used to illustrate the possibilities and limitations of working as an S1 controller. This is intended to give participants confidence in dealing with the question of the requirements for staffing a station. Module 2: Basics of air traffic control (online course) Prerequisites Successful completion of Module 1 Contents Basic knowledge of aviation in the areas of: Phraseology Basics of controlling Basic knowledge of the positions Delivery (DEL), Ground/Apron (GND/APN) and Tower (TWR) Successful participation Achieving the pass mark for all online tests (90%) Measures to be taken in the module Completion of at least one online test every 30 days If the pass mark is not achieved: Feedback on the correction of incorrectly answered questions to the mentor conducting the test in order to activate a second attempt After successfully completing all CBT tests: Registration for the waiting lists for modules 3 and 4 If you have any questions about the modules, please contact the mentor from module 1. The tests are so-called open book tests. Participants are allowed to use all teaching materials during the tests, and there is no time limit.  Participants have one attempt at each test. If a test is not completed successfully, a second attempt can be requested from the mentor conducting Module 1. To do so, the mentor must be sent a correction of the incorrectly answered questions. The mentor will then comment on the correction and clarify any misunderstandings. If the correction meets the requirement of a meaningful discussion of the error, a second attempt will be granted. If no correction or only an insufficient correction is provided, the participant will be excluded from the training and must be placed back on the waiting list for Module 1. The same applies to a second failed attempt in one of the tests. In order to ensure appropriate training progress, Module 2 is subject to a time limit. Measured from the date of the first module, participants must complete at least one test per month, regardless of their success. If no test is completed within one month, the participant will be excluded from the training and must re-enroll on the waiting list for Module 1. Exceptions (e.g., during exam periods or similar) will be decided by the CoS in consultation with the participant. Without timely notification to the CoS, the processing time will not be extended. Module 3: Fundamentals of Air Traffic Control (Advanced) Prerequisites Successful completion of all tests in the Moodle course for Module 2 Mastery of basic phraseology in the areas DEL to TWR The participant is able to spontaneously answer questions about the content of the tests Registration for the waiting list for Module 3 Registration for a date for Module 3 Contents Checking the need for a flight plan (VFR) Checking flight plans Take-off and en-route clearances Departure information for VFR traffic Pushback and taxiing instructions Handling conflicts on the ground Runway, wake vortex, and radar separation VFR traffic in the control zone (entry, exit, and transit) Coordination between air traffic controllers Introduction to the use and reading of charts (ground, departure, and approach charts) Successful participation Sufficient answers to the questions within the module Answers to the control questions at the end of the training Measures to be taken during and after the module Active participation in training and answering questions Completion of the online test “Charts” following Module 3 Module 3 builds on the content of Module 2 and works according to the principle of the flipped classroom. The content from the self-study phase is taken up and further deepened in Module 3. Using selected situations, participants are encouraged to answer questions and participate in discussions. Misunderstandings and uncertainties from Module 2 can thus be addressed, and participants have the opportunity to ask questions at any time. In addition, Module 3 concludes with a brief introduction to the use of charts. The focus here is on GND charts for parking positions and taxiways, as well as departure and approach charts. Air traffic controllers should be able to use these to identify restrictions on departures and gain an overview of possible approach procedures. To successfully complete the module, participants must answer questions posed by the mentor. Anyone who demonstrates insufficient knowledge of the material covered in Module 2 will not be able to complete the module and will have to review the basics again. Repeated (3 times) unprepared attendance may result in the participant being excluded from the S1 training and having to start again with Module 1. Following Module 3, the CBT test on the charts in the Moodle course must be completed. The conditions are the same as for Module 2, and a score of 90% is also required for successful completion. Module 4: Euroscope Prerequisites Successful completion of all CBT tests in the Moodle course for Module 2 Mastery of basic phraseology in the areas DEL to TWR The participant is able to answer questions about the content of the tests spontaneously Application for a login code for Hoppie's ACARS system Installation of Audio for VATSIM Installation of Euroscope Setup of the required starter package in Euroscope (see date announcement) Successful connection as an observer and connection to an active frequency Registration for the waiting list for Module 4 Registration for an appointment for Module 4 Contents Basic configurations in Euroscope Connection as a controler Settings at the start of a session Assessment of current weather conditions Working with lists and tags in Euroscope Handling IFR and VFR arrivals and departures with the help of Euroscope Setting priorities Communication via text Shortcuts and command line commands Tips, tricks, and useful information about Euroscope and plugin functions Coordination between controllers Staffing a station Leaving a station Transferring a station Successful participation Correct handling of an IFR departure Correct submission of a VFR flight plan Successful communication via text Answering the control questions at the end of the training What to do during the module Active participation in training and answering questions Module 4 introduces participants to working with Euroscope. By the end of the module, participants should be able to carry out simple work processes independently and correctly. The departure list is used to show simple ways of structuring one's own work and setting priorities. Large traffic volumes are not dealt with at this point; those interested can attend the corresponding elective module. To successfully complete the module, participants must answer questions from the mentors and actively participate in ES. Anyone who demonstrates insufficient knowledge in the area covered by Module 2 will not be able to complete the module and will have to re-familiarize themselves with the basics. Repeated (3 times) unprepared attendance may result in the participant being excluded from the S1 training and having to start again with Module 1. The same applies to inadequate preparation with regard to the setup of Euroscope. If questions or problems arise in advance regarding the setup, these must be clarified in TS or with the mentor conducting the training before the appointment.   Completion of S1 training After successfully completing all four modules, participants apply for the VATEUD S1 test via the Moodle course (to do so, participants must have logged into the system at least once beforehand). Once they have passed the test, they apply for the upgrade to S1 rating, again via Moodle. If the S1 test is not passed, the participant must notify the CoS. The CoS will apply for a new attempt via the ATD and inform the participant when it has been activated. Each participant has only two attempts at the VATEUD S1 test. If a participant fails twice, their Moodle access will be deleted and they will have to start the training from the beginning. The participant will be informed by email about the award of the S1 rating. Afterwards, or during the waiting period, they are free to take any number of SOP tests and/or obtain AFIS clearance. If there are unusually long waiting times when applying for the VATEUD S1 test or rating upgrade (S1 test longer than 5 days or rating upgrade longer than one week), participants should contact the mentor supervising Module 1. The S1 training course ends with the award of the S1 rating. Participants are not required to complete any further training steps. However, every controler is required to keep themselves regularly informed about changes in an appropriate manner and to keep their knowledge up to date. Everyone is also responsible for maintaining their own approvals (see GCAP). Waiting list and allocation procedure In order to be able to allocate places in the modules to all applicants within a reasonable time, mandatory waiting lists will be introduced for modules 1, 3, and 4. Waiting list Anyone interested in the S1 training program should register for the waiting list for Module 1 and will be added to the end of the waiting list. There are no special requirements for registration, but personal requirements must be taken into account (see the section “Training program”). Those who have completed Module 2 are eligible to register for the waiting lists for Modules 3 and 4. After registering, they will be added to the end of the respective waiting list. It is necessary to register for the waiting lists for both modules, which can be done in one step. After registering for one of the waiting lists, your current position is secure until the end of the following month (but for at least 4 weeks; example: registering on May 13th, 2025 secures your place on the waiting list until the end of June). To remain on the waiting list, you must re-register at s1.vatger.de in the month before it expires. If you successfully participate or are absent without excuse, your place on the waiting list will be deleted.  Placement procedure Anyone on the waiting list for modules 1, 3, or 4 can register for a date for the respective module. Places for a date are allocated 48 hours before the start of the date based on the waiting list. People higher up on the waiting list are given priority when places are allocated. This gives all those who have registered a certain degree of planning security for the date. Those who register after the allocation of places, including those with a higher waiting list position, will be allocated any remaining places on a first-come, first-served basis. Anyone who has been allocated a place and is absent without excuse (notification must be given to the mentor conducting the module within 48 hours of the date at the latest) will be removed from all waiting lists and excluded from the training. If you are still interested, you must actively re-register for the waiting list for Module 1 and start the training again. The CoS will decide on exceptions on a case-by-case basis. This rule does not apply if the participant was assigned the place due to a confirmed participant canceling within 48 hours before the date. Since appointments in English are only held sporadically and as needed, non-German-speaking applicants may be given preferential consideration when allocating places for such appointments. This is to avoid an unreasonably long wait until the next English-language appointment. Exclusion from training Exclusion from the training program may occur for the following reasons: Unexcused absence from one of the sessions in modules 1, 3, or 4 Insufficient correction of incorrectly answered questions in a failed online test in Moodle Failing an online test in Moodle twice Three instances of arriving unprepared to one of the modules 3 or 4 Failing the VATEUD S1 test twice In such cases, access to Moodle will be revoked, progress made on completed tests will be lost (the tests must be repeated), and the place or places on the waiting list will be deleted. Participants who have been excluded from the training can restart the training at any time; there is no waiting period. To do so, they must re-register for the waiting list for Module 1 and start the training from the beginning. Frequently Asked Questions How do I register for S1 training? To be considered for training, you must add your name to the waiting list for S1 training. You can do this at s1.vatger.de . How do I register for a module? You can register for any module for which you meet the requirements. As soon as a date for a module has been published, you can register via the website  s1.vatger.de . However, in order to be assigned a place, you must be on the waiting list for the module type in advance. I registered for a module but didn't get a place! There are two possible reasons for this: You were not on the waiting list for the module type and were therefore not considered. First register for the waiting list for the module type (note: check the requirements) and try again at the next date. You were on the waiting list for the module type, but other registrations had priority due to a higher position on the waiting list. Try again at the next appointment. Over time, your priority will increase and you will get a place. My name was deleted from the waiting list! After registering for one of the waiting lists, your place is guaranteed until the end of the following month (example: if you register on May 13th, 2025, your place on the list is secure until the end of June). If you have not been able to attend a module date by then (time constraints, inconvenient dates, etc.), you must confirm your place on the waiting list on the s1.vatger.de website. You will be reminded to confirm your place via the forum before you are removed. I have completed Module 1 and can no longer access the Moodle course! There may be several reasons for this: You failed one of the CBT tests twice. Your progress to date has been deleted and you must start over by registering for the Module 1 waiting list. You failed a CBT test for the first time and sent a correction of the incorrect questions to your trainer. Unfortunately, your correction did not meet the requirements for a reasonable discussion of the error(s). Your progress to date has been deleted and you must start over with the registration for the Module 1 waiting list. A CBT test must be submitted at least once a month (regardless of whether you pass or fail). If you have been inactive for more than a month, we assume that you are no longer interested in the training. Your progress to date will then be deleted and you will have to start over by registering for the Module 1 waiting list. I have completed Module 2 and have been removed from the waiting lists for Modules 3 and/or 4! There are two possible reasons for this: You have been removed from the waiting list and excluded from the training program. To resume, you must start again with Module 1. You repeatedly (3 times) showed up unprepared for one of the modules 3 or 4 and were unable to successfully complete the module. Your training was therefore terminated and you must start again with Module 1. I wanted to register for Module 3/4 and was not put on the waiting list! Possible causes: You have not yet successfully completed Module 2 and therefore do not yet meet the requirements for the corresponding waiting list. More than a month has passed since you completed Module 2 (last CBT test) without you registering. Your training has therefore been terminated and you must start again with Module 1. I failed one of the CBT tests in Moodle! Please send a correction of the incorrect answers via the forum (as a conversation) to the mentor who conducted your Module 1. The correction should indicate (a) why the answer you gave is incorrect and (b) how and why the correct answer is correct. The purpose of this discussion is to ensure that you have properly internalized the content and can answer questions on the topics in a well-founded manner. Your mentor will send you comments on your correction if necessary. Please note that an insufficient correction will result in exclusion from the training. How much time do I have for one of the CBT tests? Apart from the requirement to complete one test per month, the tests have no time limit. Once you have started, you can switch between questions at any time and simply log out for a break and continue later. What aids am I allowed to use for a CBT test? You are free to use any aids you wish to complete the tests. The tests are only intended to ensure that you have familiarized yourself with the content. We do not want to create an exam situation like in school. Why did I not successfully complete Module 3/4? It appears that you were not adequately prepared and were unable to provide sufficient answers to questions from Modules 1 and 2 or participate meaningfully in the discussions. It is also possible that you did not pay sufficient attention during the training and were unable to adequately answer the review questions at the end of the training. When can I participate in one of the elective modules? To do so, you should have completed modules 1 to 4. Without a certain amount of prior knowledge, it is not possible to follow the content of the elective modules or ask questions about the practical work as a controller. How long can it take for the VATEUD S1 test to be activated? Since activation must be done manually, you can expect a processing time of approximately 48 hours. If the test has still not been activated after five days, please contact your mentor from Module 1. What if I fail the VATEUD S1 test? Apply for a second attempt at the VATEUD S1 test via the CoS. Please note that you only have two attempts. After a second failed attempt, you will have to start the training from the beginning. How will I know when I have been awarded the S1 rating? As soon as the S1 rating has been entered by VATEUD, you will be informed by email. How long does it take to be awarded the S1 rating? Since the upgrade must be entered manually, the processing time can be up to one week. If you have not received an email about the upgrade after one week, please contact your mentor from Module 1. What options do I have after receiving the S1 rating? You can control the unrestricted stations approved for S1 controllers for DEL, GND, and TWR. For more information, see the corresponding diagram. You can participate in as many elective modules/question evenings as you like. These have no participant restrictions and expand your knowledge for successful and rapid S2 training or increased quality as a controller. You can complete the AFIS Moodle course and then occupy all information positions in the VATSIM Germany area. You can register for S2 rating training in any FIR. How do I register for S2 rating training? Before registering, you must have controlled for at least 10 hours in a position in the FIR of your choice. It makes sense not to accumulate these 10 hours overnight, but at times when it is possible to practice the procedures properly. Once this requirement is met, you can register for one of the waiting lists in the FIR of your choice. For S2 training, it makes sense to assign yourself to an FIR (registration via the homepage). By belonging to and being involved in the FIR community, you can establish closer contacts with like-minded people. Such membership is desirable and will benefit your further training. At which airports can I complete my S2 training? It is possible to complete S2 training at both a so-called Tier 1 airport and an unrestricted airport. If the training is to be carried out at a Tier 1 airfield, the so-called GND endorsement is required first. This is acquired at the beginning of the training and entitles you to occupy the DEL and GND positions at your training airfield without restriction. This is followed by further training from DEL to TWR. For the TWR position, there are so-called solo clearances later on. These allow you to practice in the position for a maximum of 90 days. After that, you must pass a CPT. Alternatively, an unrestricted airport can also be used for training. These do not require a GND endorsement, and you can practice in the GND position without restriction. S1 minor airports also do not require a TWR solo phase. After passing the exam, you can then apply for instruction for one of the Tier 1 airports. Any missing training content will then be retrained. What if I have been removed from the roster due to inactivity and am no longer allowed to act as an air traffic controller? In such a case, you should contact CoS S1. They will reset your Moodle course for Module 2. You will then complete Module 2 again and, upon successful completion, be reinstated to the roster. Modules 1, 3, and 4 do not need to be repeated. Diagrams for S1 training S1 training process Module 1 schedule Module 2 schedule Module 3 and 4 schedule Registration and update for the waiting lists Can I staff the position? Online-tool: https://canistaffit.vatsim-germany.org/ List of Tier 1 positions: https://vatsim-germany.org/controllers/restricted List of S1 Tower positions:   https://vatsim-germany.org/controllers/s1 List of required CBT tests:  https://vatsim-germany.org/controllers/required-courses