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:

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

Contents

Successful participation

Measures to be taken after the module

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

Contents

Basic knowledge of aviation in the areas of:

Successful participation

Measures to be taken in the module

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

Contents

Successful participation

Measures to be taken during and after the module

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

Contents

Successful participation

What to do during the module

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).

Revision #3
Created 2025-08-03 13:27:31 UTC by 1593466
Updated 2026-05-03 12:08:19 UTC by 1593466