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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.

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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.

 

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).

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