New Controller Training

Welcome and thank you for showing your interest in becoming a VATPAC/VATSIM Virtual Air Traffic Controller. The following steps will help you obtain your first controller rating, allowing you to begin controlling at Tower positions across Australia.

• Step1 - Are you a member of the VATPAC division and is your correct email address registered with VATSIM?
  
  • Yes! - Proceed to Step 2.
  • No wrong Division?- Sorry we cannot provide you with our local training. You can either transfer to our division or apply for visiting controller status.
  • No incorrect email address? - Sorry we won't be able to correspond with you.
  • Not Sure? - Check your details at the the VATSIM Status Check Page.
  • I want to change my VATSIM details. Click Here.

• Step2 - Register in our ATC Training System
  • Click Here
  • Goto the login page and create a new account.
  • An email will be sent to your email account, please verify your registration.
  • Enrol in the VATPAC Tower Training Course.
  • Undertake thorough study of the training material.

• Step3 - Undertake Observation
  • Download your preferred controller client.
    • VRC - (Recommended for beginners)
    • Euroscope
  • Read the client user instructions carefully.
  • Log on as an observer using your VATSIM login details.
  • Observe other ATC online, specifically Tower ATC.
  • Accrue at least 20 hours of this observation.
    

• Step4 - Theory Assessment
  • When you are confident with the training material and have accrued at least 20 hours of observation please email the VATPAC Training Director and request the tower assessment password.
    • Remember - Please be sure to use your VATSIM registered email address!
  • Undertake the Tower Theory Assessment. Carefully read all instructions as your proceed.
  • When you have successfully completed the assessment, please email VATPAC Training Director once again.
    • Advise that you have finished the theory assessment.
    • Include or copy and paste your incorrect answers so that an assessor may help you correct these.

• Step5 - Practical Assessment
  • After the previous step is complete a VATPAC instructor will shortly contact you to arrange a practical assessment.
  • The instructors are friendly and helpful. Please ask questions, and obtain support from the instructor.
  • The Instructor will provide you with practical assessment. This occurs online on a dedicated training server.

Upon successful completion of the practical assessment you will be provided with your first VATPAC controller rating - Tower Controller!

Congratulations!

Further Information

Introduction

The typical progression for a complete beginner will start at the Tower level and continue as far as the individual wishes to go - there is no compulsion to achieve a certain rating, and there are no time limits.

Training is delivered in a variety of formats. No matter which format you choose, training is self-driven and therefore entirely at your own pace.

Each rating level has a set curriculum and associated standard. These criteria form the basis of the training system, and all work completed as part of your formal training will be linked back to the relevant criteria in some way. Assessment will check for skill competency and also verify that you have a good understanding of the controller role and the airspace associated with the control position. To pass the assessment you must demonstrate that you have completed ALL of the study required and are acquainted with the relevant reference sources within VATPAC and Airservices Australia.

It is therefore very important that you read, study, and become familiar with the criteria for the rating that you seek to attain BEFORE requesting assessment.?

Proper study is VITAL!

There is a lot to learn, even for a Tower rating. You should therefore develop a proper study technique, one that will help to ensure your success and reduce setbacks, disappointment and frustration.

A proper study method should include:

• Study the knowledge and skill items listed for the assessment.
• Research the resources at the links provided.
• Observe experienced Controllers in action.
• Ask questions to the Training Director or on-line in the ATC forums.

Ettiquette

All VATPAC Training Staff are volunteers who take time out of their schedule to provide free training and assessment services to fellow members. Please be mindful of this and understand that it's not always possible to service your request immediately. You can do your bit to help support the work of Training Staff by confining official training requests and enquiries to EMAIL, so that we can properly respond to you. Please also be mindful that Training Staff also like to take time to enjoy flying and controlling too. Do not seek out Training Staff online expecting them to engage in chat to resolve your particular training situation on the spot; such dialogues will not be entered into.

IMPORTANT - If you obtain information from others then ask them to point you to the reference source from where it was obtained and can be verified by you. It is NOT sufficient to just know answers. You must know where each answer comes from; especially since these often change.