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S2 Training (TWR)

General

The S2 training in the FIR Langen takes place at the following airports. We hereby differentiate between Tier 1 and unrestricted airports:

Tier 1 Unrestricted
EDDF, EDDL, EDDK

EDDS, EDSB, EDLW

To start your S2 training, you must apply for a S2 rating course at our training system.

The waiting times for Tier 1 airports are usually a bit longer and the training is more difficult and complex. However, after passing the exam, you can immediately control at your Tier 1 training airport. On the other hand, when you pass your exam at an unrestricted airport, you have to apply for any Tier 1 airport waiting list if you wish to control there.

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

We expect you to use your training efficiently because it requires a lot of mentoring hours. If we have the impression that you are not using the solo phases and/or trainings for your learning progress and you are showing little to no activity, we reserve the right to withdraw the solo or even your training position at any time. Exceptions may be made in agreement with the lead mentor.

Requirements to start the training

  • You are on the training system waiting list for the S2 training 
  • You have controlled at least 10 hours within the last two months at the S1 minor airports of the Langen FIR
  • Waiting lists are usually processed on a "first-come, first-served" basis. However, minor exceptions are possible, e.g. due to trainees / mentors availability or exceptionally active trainees.

Training types and abbreviations

Every training will take place on our Teamspeak server in the channel "Training". 

  • Moodle courses / CBTs: At the beginning of your training, you have to complete some self-study learning courses via the VATGER moodle website. It consists of learning material but also CBTs (computer based tests), so theoretical exams which you have to pass
  • Sim session: 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) training: 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.
  • Ground checkout: A special type of Ground OTS used at Tier 1 airports to check your competencies on the Ground. After passing this checkout, you will start your Tower training.
  • Solo phase: 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.
  • VATEUD theory exam: The VATEUD theory exams are web-based multiple choice tests which you already know from the S1 Training. They need to be passed before you receive your first solo phase. The exam will be assigned to you by a mentor once you get your solo phase. You can find your assigned exams 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 passing the CPT, you will receive the S2 raiting and, if applicable, your Tier 1 endorsement for your training airport.

After each training session, there will be a debriefing session where you and the mentor will discuss the session. The mentor will also tell you where you can improve and give you tips on how to do this. Of course, there will be time for you to ask any questions you may have had during the control. Finally, you will receive a training log via the training system which summarizes the session.

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.

During your S2 training, you should focus controlling on your training airport. However, as preparation for the tower sessions, you should also practice on S1 minor airports - especially VFR traffic.

Training Steps

Since every airport has individual specialties and challenges, the standard training process varies strongly. Below, you can find the training schemes for the Tier 1 airports:

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.

Overview EDDF

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Overview EDDL

Overview EDDK

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The training steps will now be explained in detail:

Moodle course

After you were enrolled in the S2 training course by your mentor, you have to complete at least one moodle course for your training airport. This course consists of the relevant learning material and at the end, also a CBT which you have to pass in order to start your practical training.

For unrestricted airports, you also have to complete the VATGER S2 training course already, as you directly start with tower training. For Tier 1 airports, this course has to be completed later, after the actual tower training has begun.

Ground training (Tier 1 airports only)

Requirements
  • You have completed all necessary moodle courses
  • EDDF/EDDL only: You have observed other apron controllers at your airport at least 1 hour on the network, focussing especially on:
    • Correctly applying the SOPs (EDDF e.g. usage of TWYs L and N, handoff to correct tower frequencies)
    • Setting of priorities (early handoffs, no unncessary delay, moving before standing)
    • Frequency management (multi-tasking, giving and labeling standbys, asking for relief if frequency is too busy)
    • Conflict detection and management (early hold shorts or give ways)
Contents

Together with a mentor, you will go through the theory for the Ground & Delivery position and practice staffing the position during one or more simulation sessions and for EDDF/EDDL also at least one online session (OTS). Once your mentor is satisfied with your performance, you will receive your ground endorsement (EDDF/EDDL only).

If the performance is well below average after multiple sessions, training may continue at an unrestricted airport.

Ground Checkout (Tier 1 airports only)

Requirements
  • EDDF/EDDL only: You have controlled at least 20 hours during the last 2 months on the Apron / Ground
  • A mentor has contacted you regarding your checkout
  • You have booked the station with Training=Yes as soon as the training date is confirmed. If there is a booking conflict, contact your mentor
Contents

In this checkout, you show your mentor that you can apply the skills you have learned on Ground / Delivery. To do this, you occupy the position for at least 1 hour. This is followed by a detailed debriefing.

If the checkout is rated positively, you will continue with the tower introductions as soon as there are training capacities.

Tower introduction sessions

Requirements
  • A mentor has contacted you regarding your tower training
  • You have completed and passed the chapter "Pisteneffizienz" in the Moodle course
Contents

The tower introduction sesisons consist usually of at least two sim sessions and one online training. Furthermore, the theoretical knowledge may be orally assessed as well (S2 theory, SOP theory).

After successful introduction sessions, you have to complete theVATEUD theory exam. Thereafter, you will get a 30 days solo endorsement.

VATEUD Theory Exam

Requirements
  • You are ready for your first solo phase
  • You can find the exam here.
  • If you have further questions about the contents of the VATEUD Theory exam, please contact one of the mentors, before you submit the exam
Contents

In the VATEUD theory exam, you will be asked about S2 (tower) knowledge but also VATSIM specific rules.

The VATEUD theory exam must be completed and passed before starting a CPT. Otherwise, the exam cannot take place!

Solo endorsement

During your S1 solo phase, you will control at your training airport on your own and prepare for your CPT. 

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 be more or less prepared for a CPT.

After 2 weeks of your solo, an OTS will be conducted to evaluate your performance so far. You should have controlled at least 10 hours by then. At the end of your solo, one ore more advanced sim sessions (Tier 1 airports only) will be condcuted to test you on high traffic and challenging situations.

Finally, a second 30 days solo phase will be granted which should include the controller practical test (CPT) at the end. 

OTS Training

Requirements
  • You have controlled for at least 10 hours
  • Your introduction was about 2 weeks ago
  • A mentor has contacted you regarding your training
  • You have booked the station with Training=Yes as soon as the training date is confirmed. If there is a booking conflict, contact your mentor
  • You have completed and passed the chapters "Fortgeschrittene VFR Verfahren" and "Low visibility operations (LVO)" in the Moodle course
Contents

Together with a mentor, you control Tower (and if traffic permits, all stations below) in the evening. The mentor checks if you are applying all procedures correctly and how you handle yourself online.

Advanced sim sessions (Tier 1 airports only)

Requirements
  • You have controlled at least 25 hours at your exam airport
  • 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 contacted you regarding your training  
Contents

Usually, two advanced sim sessions under high traffic volumes are conducted. Take the opportunity to listen to other trainings as well!

If the mentor is satisfied with your performance and your theoretical knowledge, he will give you the "go" for the further solo phase of 30 days. During this phase, you will do a last online training followed by the CPT.

Final online training

Requirements
  • Your mentor has given you the "go" for the final training
  • You have booked the station with Training=Yes as soon as the training date is confirmed. If there is a booking conflict, contact your mentor
Contents

You will occupy the examination station under the supervision of a mentor. Depending on the traffic situation, you will control tower top-down or get a relief (GND / DEL). This is your decision, just like during the exam!

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

If the mentor is satisfied with your performance, he will give you the "Go" for the CPT. He then makes an appointment with you and applies for your CPT.

CPT

Requirements
  • Your mentor gave you the "Go" for the CPT.
  • You have passed the VATEUD Theory Exam
  • You have booked the station for a duration of 1 hour (times in UTC!)
  • In the [STAFFING/BOOKING] Thread you have left a note that you want to do a CPT at that time.
  • Your mentor or the Leading Mentor will request an examiner at the ATC Training Department. If your CPT can take place, you will see this in the thread Bestätigte Controller CPTs.
  • All CPTs held on a day other than the weekly event must be advertised (except EDDF). You can request your advertisement in the following thread: [CPT] Request für CPT-Werbung (The Leading Mentor/CoT has the final say on whether the CPT should be advertised).
  • Please organize a replacement yourself, e.g. by creating a thread in the forum section of the FIR Langen or by asking for it in the Staffing/Booking Thread.
Contents

During the CPT, you will demonstrate to two examiners (an ATD examiner and a local examiner) that you have mastered all ground positions. All tower and ground training content is relevant to the exam. Depending on the traffic situation, you will control tower top-down or get a relief (GND / DEL). This is primarily your decision, so if you think a relief would be appropriate, tell it to the examiners!

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 receive your S2 rating. By upgrading your rating to S2, you will be allowed to staff all unrestricted airports and, subject to your mentor's approval, your Tier 1 training airport. For other Tier 1 airports, you must apply for the corresponding waiting list first.

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