This SOP defines the responsibilities, expectations, and procedures for buddies assigned to support students in the S1 early training phases.
The buddy system has demonstrated strong effectiveness, contributing to improved controller proficiency and a high rate of successful CPT completions.
This procedure applies to all certified controllers who serve as buddies for students training at:
EKBI / EKYT
(Post-Sweetbox S1 Online Sessions)
EKCH
(APRON phase following regional hours)
2. Buddy Requirements
All
buddies must:
1.
Maintain current knowledge of local procedures for all relevant airports.
2.
Use correct, clean, and professional phraseology.
3.
Demonstrate patience and provide a supportive learning environment.
4.
Reference official documentation (wiki, training materials) when clarification is needed.
3. EKBI / EKYT Buddy Procedures
3.1 Student Prerequisites
Before
beginning online sessions at EKBI/EKYT, students must have:
Completed Sweetbox sessions (22× EKBI, 11× EKYT)
Passed the S1 VATEUD theoretical exam
Granted the S1 rating
3.2 Buddy Responsibilities
During
EKBI/EKYT online sessions, the buddy shall:
Provide guidance and confidence-building support during the student student’s first network sessions
Answer operational and procedural questions in real time
Encourage and facilitate exposure to VFR traffic to expand the student student’s practical skillset. Buddies are encouraged to request VFR flights from the community where possible.
4. EKCH APRON Procedures
4.1 Transition to EKCH
Students
become eligible for EKCH APRON operations after:
Completing 25 hours on regional positions (e.g., EKBI/EKYT)
And have contacted
Contacted training department
These hours should enable the student to manage moderate traffic confidently.
4.2 Training Structure
Students typically require 2 2–3 APRON sessions before progressing to TWR training.
It is required to have at least 2 different buddy sbuddies on the training.
4.3 Buddy Responsibilities
The
buddy shall:
Provide continuous support during the session
Clarify procedures, phraseology, and EKCH-specific workflows
Ensure a positive, structured introduction to EKCH traffic levels
Complete a formal Training Report after each session
4.4 Training Reports
Training
Reports must include:
Session observations
Topics discussed during the debrief
Identified strengths and areas for improvement
Links to reports may be requested via the Training Department.
5. Training Evaluation Criteria
Buddies must evaluate and comment on the following areas in each session report:
1.
Push/Release Procedures
oCorrect usage of standard and non-standard points
2.
Taxi Instructions
oAbility to issue both standard and non-standard routings appropriately
3.
Phraseology
Phraseology
oAdherence to standard phraseology
oProfessional tone and clarity
oIssuing clear and accurate instructions
4.
Speech Tempo
oMaintaining an appropriate pace on frequency
5.
Conditional / Non-Standard Clearances
oCorrect understanding and use cases
6.
General Operational Knowledge
oDemonstrated understanding of EKCH procedures and layout
6. Progress Monitoring
After the student student’s second EKCH APRON session, the buddy must contact the Buddy Mentor (Training department) to provide a progress update.
7. Support and Contacts
Buddies may contact the Training Department at any time for assistance or clarification.
