Curriculum Bremen FIR

• S1 Training (Minors)
• S2 Training (Tower)
• S3 Training (Approach)
• C1 Training (Center)

S1 Training (Minors)

To start as a controller and achieve your S1-Rating you are required to participate in the Vatsim Germany S1 lessons and courses. 
For further information have a look at the S1 forum section and the VatGer S1 Curriculum (german text for now)

Please refrain from posting waiting list / training requests in other threads.

Preparation

While you wait for a Basic Lesson:

• Start learning now -> Knowledge Base Vatsim Germany 
• fly as a virtual pilot on Vatsim, IFR + VFR (you will need the VFR practice as Controller)
• observe and listen to frequencies with Euroscope at your desired positions
  
  

The training on Vatsim requires a high level of self-study, self-reflection and commitment.

For each training, you have to prepare yourself using the published information in the knowledgebase. It is important that you read the documents but also understand and learn the content. While studying ask other controllers, research and observe on frequency. 

Content and Procedure of the S1 Rating Training

• all info can be found in the new VatGer wide S1 program (german text for now)
• Waiting List and Course SignUps at s1.vatsim-germany.org

S1 Minor Towers

After you obtained your S1 GND Rating you can staff all unrestricted Ground and Delivery positions in Germany and some special tower positions within the S1 Minor program. SOP Tests might be necessary. Have a look at the list of required SOP courses.  

EDAH, EDHL, EDVE, EDVK are good airports to start your S1 adventures.  With more experience EDXW can be a good challenge to practice for your next steps towards a S2 Tower Rating.

Further steps

If you want to continue your training and obtain a S2 Tower Rating, you can apply for further training after 25 hours on our Bremen FIR minor towers. You have to keep an activity of at least 10 hours on Bremen FIR minor towers in the last 8 weeks to be considered for a trainee slot. 

See: training.vatsim-germany.org -> Courses

S2 Training (Tower)

General

In the Bremen FIR we use the airports Berlin (EDDB), Hamburg (EDDH), Hannover (EDDV) and Bremen (EDDW) for the tower controller training. In order to ensure the highest possible efficiency of the training, you will not change between airports during the training. Since the training runs independent and parallel, this document is to be applied equally to all four airports.

The training on Vatsim requires a high level of self-study, self-reflection and commitment.

For each training, you have to prepare yourself using the published information in the knowledgebase. It is important that you read the documents but also understand and learn the content. While studying ask other controllers, research and observe on frequency. If a training reveals that you do not meet the requirements, the training can be canceled immediately.

Mentorships guide you in your self learning journey. You are responsible for your own progress and rating approval.

The solo phase for tower lasts a maximum of only 60 days up to the CPT with a backup of another 30 days after a failed practical test, not including the Ground/Apron Endorsement. Since this period is very short, it is important to use the solo phase efficiently. If you know that you will not be able to use parts of the tower solo phase for personal reasons, please inform the responsible mentor as soon as possible, so that we can plan the solo start accordingly.

Training types and abbreviations

Every training will take place on the Vatsim Germany TeamSpeak server, in the Bremen FIR section. 

• Introductions: Together with a mentor, you will go through local procedures and specialties, as well as discuss any open questions regarding your self-study. As this is just theoretical knowledge, it will most likely be combined with a Sim-Session. If available, this step can be a Moodle course and online test.
  
• Sim: Vatsim hosts a so called "sweatbox" server where sim sessions can be run. This has nothing to do with the live traffic on the network and is used for training special situations or making the first steps at bigger airports. The aircrafts are controlled by a mentor and the "radio transmissions" are done via TeamSpeak.
  
• OTS (Over-the-shoulder): During an OTS you will control a station on the live network. A mentor will always be by your side to help you, answer you questions and take over the station if necessary.
  
• Solophase: The so called "Solo" allows you to control at our training airports without having the required rating. The Solo is limited in time and allows autonomous training before an exam.
  
• AT-SimTest: The AT-SimTests are web-based multiple choice tests which you already know from the S1 (Minor) Training. They need to be passed before your CPT. They can be found here.
  
• CPT (Controller practical test): A CPT is a practical exam where you show an examiner and a local mentor what you have learned.
  

After every Training there will be a Debriefing in which you and the Mentor will discuss the session. The Mentor will also tell you where you can improve and give you tips for your next steps.

Tip: You may and should listen to all kind of training sessions of other trainees. This is highly recommended and expected in all training phases, as the training sessions you actively attend will most likely not be sufficient on their own.

Training Steps

This is only an outline of the training steps to the S2-CPT. As the personal speed of learning and progress varies greatly between trainees, there may be individual variations. There might be extra steps at certain airports due to the complexity and extra trainings might be possible at any time, taking into account the availability of mentors.

Training Airport Ground Endorsement (Theory + Sim)

Requirements

• You controlled at least 25 hours on S1 Minor Towers of the Bremen FIR 
• You hold a minimum of 10 hours activity in the last 2 months on Minor Towers of the Bremen FIR
• You have enrolled in one of our waiting lists for your desired Airport ( see: training.vatsim-germany.org )
• A mentor has contacted and assigned you to an active training course
• You worked through the SOPs of your training airport 
• You prepared yourself for the training and observed other controllers at your new airport
• If applicable, you prepared available Moodle training steps
• You worked through/repeated the "Lehrbuch Basics of Controlling", "Lehrbuch Delivery" and "Lehrbuch Apron/Ground" in the Knowledgebase

Contents

Together with a mentor, you will go through the SOP and discuss any open questions regarding your self-study. The better prepared you are, the shorter we can keep the theoretical part. If you are totally unprepared, the mentor can postpone this training.

EDDB/EDDH
In a sim session you will control the apron position with delivery top-down. If your mentor is satisfied with your performance, you will receive your ground endorsement. If not, a second session (Sim or Online) may be required or your self-training may continue for now on S1 Minor airports.

EDDV/EDDW
As these are unrestricted airports, you can control as S1 on GND/DEL with a passed SOP Check. Beside the mentioned requirements, you will directly skip to the next step of requesting a Ground Checkout. A good rule of thumb is having at least 25h on your training position.

Although it is not prohibited, we strongly recommend that you control at your training airport and also use your active time to observe other controllers on your training positions up to tower. An exception to this is the preparation for the tower introduction. This can be best practiced on S1 towers before.

Ground Checkout

Requirements

• You have controlled at least 25 hours on your training positions, including higher traffic situations
• You report to mentors that you feel confident in proceeding with the Ground Checkout (Mini-CPT)
• A mentor has contacted you regarding your checkout request

Contents

Together with a mentor, you control the ground position in the evening. The mentor checks if you are applying all procedures correctly and how you handle the situation online. This is followed by a detailed debriefing.

If the checkout is rated positively, you can apply for your Tower Introduction. If not, more Sims or OTS trainings might follow, in general or with specific topics.

It is very important that you stick exactly to the learned procedures and phrases during the whole training process, as they will give you confidence and only this way you will become ready for the first exam in that short time.

Tower Introduction (Theory + Sim)

Requirements

• You passed your Ground Checkout successfully
• You worked through the "Tower" section in the Knowledgebase, including advanced topics
• You worked through the SOPs of your airport up to Tower
• You prepared yourself for this station and observed other controllers at your airport
• If applicable, you prepared available Moodle training steps
• You have arranged a training with a mentor
  

Contents

Together with a mentor, you will go through the SOP and discuss any open questions regarding your self-study. The better prepared you are, the shorter we can keep the theoretical part. If you are totally unprepared, the mentor can postpone this training.

In the Sim session you will control the tower position with top-down service. If your mentor is satisfied with your performance, you can proceed with online trainings. If not, more session may be required.

Tower OTS Training 

Together with a mentor, you control the tower position in the evening. The mentor checks if you are applying all procedures correctly and how you handle the situation online. This is followed by a detailed debriefing.

If your mentor is satisfied with your performance, you will receive your tower solo. If not, more sessions (Sim or Online) are required. 

ATSimTest S2

• Open Book test, use your experience, the knowledge base and google to answer the questions.
  
• The test is open for a maximum of 7 days and there is a 5 days waiting period, if you fail it.

The ATSimTest must be completed and passed before the start of your solo. 

The test can be found in the VATEUD core portal after your mentor has signed you up for it.

Solo Phase

During your S1 solo phase you will independently control your training airport and prepare for your CPT. The controller practical test will take place on the tower position of your training airport.

The solo phase runs for only 30 days! Towards the end of these 30 days, you should have gained enough experience, also with larger traffic volumes, to request a CPT preparation training. One extension of 30 days will be granted which should include the controller practical test (CPT) at the end of this extension. 

CPT Preparation

Requirements

• You have a good routine for dealing with "normal" traffic situations including top-down service
• You have reviewed all theory you have learned throughout your training
• You have arranged a training with a mentor
  

Contents

Together with a mentor, you will either control the Tower in the evening or in a Sim Session during high traffic. The mentor checks if you are applying all procedures correctly and how you handle yourself online.

If the mentor is satisfied with your performance and your theoretical knowledge, he will give you the "go" for your final training.

Final Training

This training is about recreating the exact situation that you will face in a CPT. You will control the Tower including top-down service in the evening with your mentor silently watching you. If the mentor agrees, relieve stations can be allowed during the training and after approx. 60min other positions can be staffed again.

If the mentor is satisfied with your performance, the next step will be your CPT. He then makes an appointment with you and applies for your CPT. 

The solo phase for tower lasts a maximum of only 60 days up to the CPT with a backup of another 30 days after a failed practical test.  If you have not earned an S2 rating by the end of the second extension (90 days), your training unfortunately has to end on the current position and a waiting time of 12 month will be applied. The leading mentor will inform you about possible alternatives. 

CPT

In the CPT you show two examiners (ATD examiner and local assessor) that you can control all ground positions under a normal traffic amount for that airport. All contents of the tower training are relevant for the exam.

Tip: control safely and exactly the way you learned it. Don't try to control the traffic overly cautiously, nor do try to get out to all limits and beyond - the examiners only want to see that you can handle the traffic volume well and as confidently as possible. A perfect CPT is therefore very boring for the examiners to watch. If you should have a major mishap or it's just not your day at all, don't be too disappointed about a failed CPT - of course, you have (mostly after a new CPT preparation training) another try.

After passing the CPT, you will be recommended for the S2 rating. With the rating upgrade to S2, you get the clearance to control all unrestricted airports in Germany and the possibility to apply for endorsements of tier 1 airports. Additional trainings for the Tier 1 endorsement may apply.

Endorsements at Bremen FIR airports

In case you did your Training at a tier 1 airport (EDDH, EDDB), you will receive the endorsement automatically.

S3 Training (Approach)

General

In the FIR Bremen we use the airports Berlin (EDDB), Hamburg (EDDH), Hannover (EDDV) and Bremen (EDDW) for the approach controller training. In order to ensure the highest possible efficiency, you will not change between airports during the training phase. Since these trainings runs independent and parallel, this document is to be applied equally to all three airports. Beside your preferred priority, the final decision on which airport you will get your training is made by the mentor responsible for the Approach Lesson.

The solo phase for approach lasts a maximum of only 60 days up to the CPT with a backup of another 30 days after a failed practical test. Since this period is very short, it is important to use the solo phase efficiently. If you know that you will not be able to use parts of the solo phase for personal reasons, please inform the responsible mentor during the Approach Lesson, so that we can plan the solo start accordingly.

Training Steps

Tip: You may and should listen to all kind of training sessions of other trainees. This is highly recommended and expected in all training phases, as the training sessions you actively attend will most likely not be sufficient on their own.

Approach Lesson

Requirements

• Experience on tower, especially routine with heavy traffic
• at least 3 months have passed since your S2 CPT
• you have controlled at least 25 hours on your exam position as S2
• A mentor has contacted you regarding an Approach Lesson
• You have carefully studied the Approach Study Guide (german)
•  If available, this step can be a Moodle course and online test

Station Briefing and 1. Sim

Requirements

• Learned the contents of the Approach Lesson
• Very good knowledge of the relevant SOP
  
• Very good knowledge of the departure and arrival routes at your training airport
• A mentor has contacted you regarding your training

Contents

• Theoretical instruction on the training station
• First practical experience on Approach in the simulator
  
  

Additional Sims

Requirements

• To consolidate learned concepts additional Sims are necessary. Your Mentor decides on the next steps.
• Within this phase of training, you have to prepare advanced theory like:
  • IFR Pickup
  • IFR Cancelation
  • C-Crossing
  • Holdings
  • Low visibility procedures
    
  • NVFR/SVFR
• Your mentor can decide to push these topics into the online training phase or use a mix of Sims and Online Trainings.

Online Trainings (multiple)

Requirements

• A mentor informed you to advance to online trainings
• Experience and confidence in available sim scenarios

Contents

Together with a mentor, you will occupy the approach position and control under his guidance. 

If you have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to deal with the usual larger traffic volumes and "VFR specials", you will receive the solo phase to practice for your CPT on your own. Otherwise further sessions online or in the simulator will follow until you are ready.

ATSimTest S3

• Open Book test, use your experience, the knowledge base and google to answer the questions.
  
• The test is open for a maximum of 7 days and there is a 5 days waiting period, if you fail it.

The ATSimTest must be completed and passed before the start of your solo. 

The test can be found in the VATEUD core portal after your mentor has signed you up for it.

Solophase Approach

The solo phase runs for only 30 days! Towards the end of these 30 days, you should have gained enough experience (also with larger traffic volumes) to request a CPT preparation training. One extension of 30 days will be granted which should include the controller practical test (CPT) at the end of this extension. 

The solo phase for approach lasts a maximum of only 60 days up to the CPT with a backup of another 30 days after a failed practical test.  If you have not earned an S3 rating by the end of the second extension (90 days), your training unfortunately has to end on the current position. The leading mentor will inform you about possible alternatives. 

CPT Preparation Training

Requirements

• You have a good routine for dealing with "normal" traffic situations
• You have reviewed all theory you have learned throughout your training
• A mentor has confirmed this step

Contents

Usually, these preparation trainings are conducted in the simulator or online at higher traffic situations. If the mentor is satisfied with your performance and your theoretical knowledge, he will allow you to advance to your final training.

Final Training

Contents

You will occupy the examination station under the supervision of a mentor to show that you are ready for your CPT. This training is about recreating the exact situation that you will face in a CPT.

The mentor might notice a few things that you could do better that didn't show up in the previous trainings.

If the mentor is satisfied with your performance, the next step will be your CPT. He then makes an appointment with you and applies for your CPT. With your application, the ATSimTest will be activated.

CPT

Contents

In the CPT you show two examiners (ATD examiner and local assessor) that you can control the approach position under normal traffic for your training airport. All contents of the approach training are relevant for the exam.

Tip: control safely and exactly the way you learned it. Don't try to control the traffic overly cautiously, nor do try to get out to all limits and beyond - the examiners only want to see that you can handle the traffic volume well and as confidently as possible. A perfect CPT is therefore very boring for the examiners to watch. If you should have a major mishap or it's just not your day at all, don't be too disappointed about a failed CPT - of course, you have (mostly after a new CPT preparation training) another try.

After passing the CPT, you will be recommended for the S3 rating. With the rating upgrade to S3, you get the clearance to occupy the approach position of all unrestricted airports in Germany and the possibility to apply for endorsements of Tier 1 airports. Additional trainings for the Tier 1 endorsement may apply.

Endorsements at FIR Bremen airports

In case you did your Training at a restricted airport (EDDB, EDDH), you will receive the endorsement automatically. 

C1 Training (Center)

General

In the Bremen FIR we offer three sector groups for the center controller Training. These are based on the real model of EBGs (Einsatzberechtigungsgruppe) which cover roughly

• EBG Ost, covering Berlin area
• EBG Nord (Nord A+ Nord B combined), covering Hamburg area 
• EBG Süd, covering Hannover area.

For correct sector structure check the sector overview. With your training request state your preferred sector group for training.

Training Steps

Tip: You may and should listen to all kind of training sessions of other trainees. This is highly recommended and expected in all training phases, as the training sessions you actively attend will most likely not be sufficient on their own.

Center Lesson

Requirements

• Experience on Approach stations, especially within the training sector group
  
• you have controlled at least 25 hours on approach positions
• active Tier 1 Endorsements of covered top-down positions
• self study of:
  • sector structure
  • Letter of Agreement (LoA)
  • route network in the training sector group
    
• good three-dimensional thinking

Online Trainings

As the center aispace is quite complex and the working methods differ from station to station, the following order of trainings will make the step from approach to center stations easier. The order of training steps may differ as it is only a rough stucture.

Lower sectors

The training sessions on lower sectors will help you to gain your first experience on a center position in rather familiar conditions. As the lower sectors provide service up to FL245 (FL285 in EDWW-East) the impact of e.g. higher speeds is compared to approach sectors noticeable however not too great to gain first routine. You will also learn the methods and techniques to control a sector safely and efficiently. One part of this trainings step is, to learn about short and mid time planning and sequencing.

Upper sectors

As you archieved some experience, some mentored trainings on upper only sectors will follow, where you will learn in addtion to achieve adequate spacings within longer periods of time with less impact. 

Combined

One of the last steps are training sessions on a combined sector where you control both - upper and lower sectors. These to steps will be harmonized with each other in this training section.

ATSimTest C1

• Open Book test, use your experience, the knowledge base and google to answer the questions.
  
• The test is open for a maximum of 7 days and there is a 5 days waiting period, if you fail it.

The ATSimTest must be completed and passed before the start of your solo. 

The test can be found in the VATEUD core portal after your mentor has signed you up for it.

Solophase Center

As far you have a good knowledge of procudures and techniques you will get a solo endorsement for your training sector to improve your controlling by yourself. In this phase some check ups with a mentor will take place, to ensure the training objective will be achieved.

CPT Preparation & Final Training

Final Training

The last regular training session is your pre CPT. In this training a mentor will check under CPT conditions whether you are ready to be signed up for the CPT. 

CPT

For your CPT try to search for a relief station in advance. Also, you can ask the event department to request ATC from neighboring sectors. 

Tip: control safely and exactly the way you learned it. Don't try to control the traffic overly cautiously, nor do try to get out to all limits and beyond - the examiners only want to see that you can handle the traffic volume well and as confidently as possible. A perfect CPT is therefore very boring for the examiners to watch. If you should have a major mishap or it's just not your day at all, don't be too disappointed about a failed CPT - of course, you have (mostly after a new CPT preparation training) another try.