Training Documents Contains ATC training related document used across whole Scandinavia 📄 Training Programs and Documents Practical Training Programs The practical training programs in VATSIM Scandinavia are based on the ATC Rating Competencies listed in VATSIM Global Controller Administration Policy ( GCAP ), Appendix A. Detailed country specific training programs could be found at: Country Reference Denmark Syllabus for trainings Finland Training Programs Norway Training Curriculum Sweden Training Programs in Sweden Iceland Iceland Training Programe Manuals 📄 How to deal with emergencies.pdf 📄 Guidelines for Area Control.pdf 📄 Metar decoding guide.pdf SKYbrary The SKYbrary website is an initiative by EUROCONTROL in partnership with ICAO and other aviation organisations. At SKYbrary, you can find articles, reports and video clips about a wide range of aviation subjects, such as aircraft systems, communications procedures, weather, ATC procedures, and incidents and accidents. Here are some SKYbrary links of particular interest: Aircraft Types ALLCLEAR Toolkit on improving Air Ground Communications Basic Controller Techniques: Direct Routing Basic Controller Techniques: Level Change Basic Controller Techniques: Speed Control Basic Controller Techniques: Vectoring Basic Controller Techniques: Vertical Speed Classification of Airspace Flight Deck Procedures – A Guide for Controllers Level Bust Toolkit Loss of Separation at Sector Boundaries Separation Standards Traffic Information Vectoring Geometry Video clips on various subjects 🎓 Examination Templates GCAP Examinations Templates for examiners to be used during checkouts and for writing the final exam report: 📄 S2_CPT_Log_v1_3.pdf 📄 S3_CPT_Log_v1_3.pdf 📄 C1_CPT_Log_v1_3.pdf IMPORTANT: Examiners must be under "Local Examiners", otherwise the log will be rejected by VATEUD. 📄 VATEUD_CPT_guidelines_v1.3.pdf 📄 VATSCA_CPT_Guidelines Description of how assessment of students should be done, using the assessment sheets linked above and the VATSCA policy Local Examinations Norway 📄 S1 Validation Report v2.0 ( Public link ) 📄 T1 ENGM TWR Validation Report v1.2 ( Public link ) 📄 T1 ENGM APP Validation Report v1.2 ( Public link ) ✒️ Training Operating Procedures Student and Mentor policies Training Policy for Students Purpose The VATSIM Scandinavia Training Policy for Students establishes general requirements, training procedures, and responsibilities and expectations of all students training for ATC ratings and endorsements. The training policy is based on the VATSIM Global Controller Administration Policy ( GCAP ) and VATEUD Division Training Policy ( DTP ). Requirements VATSIM and VATEUD The student must fulfil the requirements described in GCAP and DTP. Good standing The student must be in good standing with the VATSIM Scandinavia training department, mentors and the VATSIM Scandinavia FIR communities. Language All students should be able to communicate and provide air traffic control service in English, the internationally accepted language for air traffic control. Number of training requests The student may only have one training request at a time, including requesting training in other vACCs on VATSIM as a visiting controller. Internal transfer VATSIM Scandinavia students have possibility to control in any other country within VATSIM Scandinavia as visiting controllers after having completed familiarisation training. Consequently, in general there should not be any need for internal transfers between the countries within VATSIM Scandinavia. Thus, if a student has completed an internal transfer from one country to another within VATSIM Scandinavia, there will be a cooling off period of one (1) year before any training request in the previous country will be accepted. Readiness If the student is requesting training or, is in training for a higher rating or endorsement, the student must be ready for further practical training. Specifically, the student should have been actively controlling, be up to date, and have working knowledge and reasonable practical controlling skills at the student's current rating level. Active The student must have been controlling actively at least 5 hours within 30 days before scheduling any practical training session(s). Current To be considered current, students must: know the latest operating procedures at the current rating level, and have installed prescribed controlling software versions and necessary additional files, for example, the latest sector files package. General Training Procedure Requesting training The student should request training from VATSIM Scandinavia’s training management system Control Center ( CC ), found at the VATSIM Scandinavia website. Training Queue Expected waiting time The student will initially be placed in the training queue. The time spent in the queue will vary significantly depending on mentor availability, training demand, season, and other factors. Waiting times are often difficult to predict, and students are kindly asked not to repeatedly contact staff members asking for estimates. They are instead encouraged to study procedures, observe active controllers, and engage in other activities that will later benefit their training process. Confirm interest While waiting for an available mentor or assignment, the student will also receive a monthly training confirmation email. To maintain their place in the queue, the student has to confirm their training interest within two weeks of receiving the email. Failure to confirm will automatically close the training request. It is the student's responsibility to check their inbox, spam filter, etc., to make sure that continued interest for training is confirmed. It's also possible to login to Control Center and directly confirm ongoing interest for training in the training system. Training assignment Depending on the type of training, the student will be assigned a mentor or enrolled in a training programme. Upon assignment, the student is required to establish contact with the mentor, the Training Lead, or Training Team member within 7 days. Otherwise, the training request will be closed without any prior notification. Practical training Students are expected to study theory between sessions and always be prepared when showing up for training sessions. Mentors spend considerable amounts of their spare time mentoring students, and an even balance between time spent in practical sessions and time spent on self-studies is expected from the student. Local Training Procedures All countries in VATSIM Scandinavia may have local procedures building upon this policy. This policy cannot be overruled, but it may be elaborated upon and impose additional deadlines or expectations. The student should read and adhere to the local training procedures for the FIR where they have applied for training. Local Training Policy - Norway Training - Sweden Training - Finland Training - Denmark Responsibilities and Expectations In summary, VATSIM Scandinavia expects the following from a student enrolled in ATC training: VATSIM The student should adhere to the VATSIM Code of Conduct General Rules and Controller Conduct. VATSIM Scandinavia Member Obligations The Student must follow the Member Obligations in the Constitution of VATSIM Scandinavia (Section 4.4.1) during training, CPTs, and while providing ATC. Communication Initial contact The student shall make initial contact with the mentor or staff of the training programme within seven (7) days of assignment. Respond The student must maintain regular communication with the mentor and training staff. Regular communication means answering emails or Discord chat messages within at least seven (7) days.­ Planning The student is able to make and follow plans. Time The student should propose at least one date for a training session every 14-day period. If availability permits, at least one session per week is a recommended average. Show up The student should show up on time to all scheduled sessions. Cancel The student should be cautious and respectful when cancelling a training session and should give as much prior notice as possible if any unforeseen problem arises. Repeated late cancellations of training sessions will result in an investigation of the student's training eligibility. Pause The student should notify their mentor if they are absent and are unable to train for more than a 14-day period so that the training request can be paused. Pausing the training request is intended for shorter periods during holidays or travel. Pausing the training for longer periods than 90 days will lead to automatic cancellation of the training request. Unavailable If either the student or mentor is unable to schedule a session within any 30-day period, the training staff must be involved, and the training will be marked as inactive and will result in an investigation into the student's training eligibility. Controller Practical Test Scheduling It is the student's responsibility to provide dates of availability for a controller practical test in due time to the Training Lead or Training Team Member. The student must be prepared to find an alternative date based on examiner availability. Failure to do so will result in the removal of the Solo Endorsement until a date for the controller practical test has been scheduled. Commitment Set aside time The student is prepared to commit to at least 5 hours each 14-day period for training, self-study, and availability. Drive to improve The student reads the training report after each completed training session and, to the best of the student's ability, actively works to improve knowledge, use of practical functionality, and practice based on the feedback from the mentor. Prepare The student should show up to training sessions well prepared with own questions and answers to study questions from the mentor. Respectful behaviour The student understands that the mentors commit their spare time to train others. Feedback The student accepts constructive feedback both during training and after CPTs respectfully and understands that the mentor or examiner provides feedback in order to develop the student as a controller professionally. An example of mature behaviour is to resist the initial reflex to start to argue and just say: ” Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback for me so I’m able to improve as ATC." Violation The Training Director or the Training Lead may impose restrictions on the training request if the student does not fulfil the expectations and responsibilities. A training request may be closed after the student has twice violated the above mentioned expectations and responsibilities, and has received at least one written warning. Training Policy for Mentors Purpose To achieve a standard method and approach on training within VATSIM Scandinavia. This policy generally focuses on the responsibilities of the mentor but also general guidelines and tips. Moreover, it is important this document is kept alive, continually evaluated and amended as the training situation is in motion. The core of the Training Department‘s attitude is to provide the organisation with skilled members, ready and trained, to provide ATC throughout our network. To deliver this, we need to work efficiently and help each other reach this goal. Training Progression Student progression towards ATC ratings in VATSIM Scandinavia is described in the policy for students. All mentors are to be fully aware of the steps the student has to undergo to achieve their ratings and do as much as they can to ensure their journey is as smooth as possible. The mentor shall contact the training assistant or director if a student does not show satisfactory progress after three sessions. Given that the mentor writes good reports as expected, this can be then used to send a progression warning where the student will be given two sessions to show new progress before the case is escalated. Responsibilities and Expectations VATSIM Scandinavia expects the following from ATC Mentors. Mentors refrain from sharing user information or training details with unauthorized individuals, under any circumstances. Violations will be reported to the Data Protection Officer and the board for disciplinary actions and handled according to our Data Protection Policy. Mentors are prepared to work with different types of individuals and provide the same training quality to everyone. Mentors are dedicated to teaching and will deliver the training in a professional manner. Mentors propose at least one date per two-week period to all their students when they can train them. If availability permits, at least one session per week is a recommended average. Mentors show up prepared for all sessions, with clear goals and objectives for the session to present to the student. Mentors provide appropriate feedback in a respectful manner and debrief the session in a way that allows the student to reflect upon their own performance and not only direct feedback from the mentors. Mentors stay current with local and general procedures. Mentors shall provide their students with detailed, accurate and correct information with reference to official documents, such as AIP, GOP, LOP and LoA. Mentors understand that they represent the VATSIM Scandinavia Training Department and present themselves in an appropriate manner whilst connected to the VATSIM Network and its affiliated services (forums, Discord etc.). Standard process of training In order to provide high quality and effective training, the training process has been standardised and training should follow these standards in all FIRs of VATSIM Scandinavia. However, these standards should be considered more as guidelines rather than strict rules and FIR specific variations can be approved by the Training Director, when deemed necessary. Every mentor should be familiar with the training process and should consult this document before contacting the training staff with questions regarding the next step in the process. Students apply for training via Control Center (CC) and the system places the student in the queue. The Training Assistant assigns relevant Moodle courses. Every mentor is responsible for informing the Training Assistant when they are able to take on a new student. The mentor is responsible for filing training reports after every session, according to The Training Report section of this document. During the training, the student must comply with the requirements stated in the Student Training Policy. If the student violates the policy, it is the initial mentor’s decision whether it may be excused. If any further violations occur, the Training Assistant and/or Training Director must be consulted before the training is discontinued. The Training Report Training Reports are recorded in CC and must be filed within three days of every session unless the mentor and TA have agreed otherwise. Below are tips and guidelines for how the training reports are to be written, the headings correspond to the titles of the text boxes in the CC Training Report. Well written reports are crucial to be able to escalate lack of progression to training staff, therefore we ask you to use a few minutes to write a report that reflects the feedback. It's not expected to write much, but it should make sense for an external training staff to grasp the difficulties and potential for improvement by solely reading the reports. Date The date the session took place. Position The position that was worked during the session. Comments on Session “This happened” (is to be written objectively) Example : Most of the traffic was handled per LOP/LOA. BAW779 was given FL200 after departure by Stockholm which led to a conflict for Sweden later on. Traffic misunderstood the met-report as the term RVR was not used. Areas to Improve What needs to be done to get closer to the curricula? What can the student and mentor do? This should reflect what is being said in the descriptive part but also what the plan is for the following session. Example ​: The trainee will study the METAR decoding sheets to give the traffic proper information regarding different weather situations at the airport. The trainee should study the agreed levels between Stockholm and Sweden carefully. Mentor will give an oral progress check next time. Remember, we build confidence on what the student is doing correctly and we put that into focus. We should however not put any judgment into the reports. Rather than writing: You separated the 4 traffic well or perfectly, we should write that the traffic was separated per the regulations or similar. It is important to keep in mind that during the training, we train and during the examination we assess. Other types of training In other types of training than standard, such as refresh there's a requirement that the training reports are still written for these kind of sessions. The local training assistant will have the saying on how this types of trainings are defined as completed. Refresh trainings should be trained up to today's level and expectation of a controller. Common Training Policies General Training Policies that apply to all of VATSIM Scandinavia's FIRs. Transfer Introduction The global VATSIM Transfer and Visiting Controllers Policy ( TVCP ) defines global requirements and rules for controllers who would like to transfer or visit another Region, Division, and Subdivision. Any controller at VATSIM may transfer to a new Region, Division, and Subdivision provided certain requirements are fulfilled. Note: Transfer training is not prioritized over home controllers and normal waiting times in the approximate range of 6 to 12 months apply. The VATSIM Scandinavia Transfer Policy is based on the TVCP to ensure compliance with the global VATSIM policies. This policy establishes requirements, procedures and rules for controllers that would like to permanently transfer from another Region, Division, and Subdivision to one of VATSIM Scandinavia’s FIR: Helsinki FIR (Finland) Sweden FIR (Sweden) Copenhagen FIR (Denmark) Polaris FIR (Norway) Reykjavik FIR (Iceland) Note: The five FIRs within VATSIM Scandinavia are considered to be different subdivisions with respect to training. Thus, the Transfer Policy also covers internal transfers within VATSIM Scandinavia. Controllers in queue for training, active and inactive controllers are assigned to a home Region, Division, Subdivision, and FIR. Pilots and observers will be assigned a home Region, Division, Subdivision, and FIR if they apply for training. Requirements A VATSIM controller who would like to transfer to in VATSIM Scandinavia must fulfil the following requirements: Rating Time At least 90 days has passed since a new rating was awarded. Experience Have provided at least 50 hours of active ATC after passing the check for their current rating in their home Region, Division, and Subdivision. Current Be considered a current ATC in their home Region, Division, and Subdivision. Active The controller fulfill VATSIM Scandinavia's requirement of having provided at least 5 hours ATC during the last 6 months to be considered an active controller. Behaviour The controller is in good standing with VATSIM. No history of disciplinary issues within the last 12 months. Other Training Is not waiting for or has ongoing training in another Region, Division, Subdivision, and FIR. Previous transfer At least 90 days has passed since: Completing any previous transfer Failed to complete any transfer and having been returned to their home allocation Procedure A controller that would like to transfer to one of the FIRs in VATSIM Scandinavia should proceed according to the following procedure: Requirements The controller should make sure all the requirements are fulfilled. Application The controller apply for transfer: If the controller’s home Region, Division, Subdivision is outside VATSIM Scandinavia the controller apply for transfer via VATEUD webpage. If the controller already is assigned to one of the VATSIM Scandinavia FIRs the controller should send an email to VATSIM Scandinavia Training Director ( training-director@vatsim-scandinavia.org ) and request transfer. Select VATSIM Scandinavia FIR Once the application for transfer has been approved the controller should send an email to VATSIM Scandinavia Training Director ( training-director@vatsim-scandinavia.org ) and select one (1) of the five FIRs: Helsinki FIR (Finland) Sweden FIR (Sweden) Copenhagen FIR (Denmark) Polaris FIR (Norway) Reykjavik FIR (Iceland) as new home Region, Division, Subdivision, and FIR. Transfer Training Plan The Training Director and the Training Lead collaborate to create an individual practical transfer training plan for the controller based on previous rating and experience. Theoretical and Practical Training During the practical training the controller may be granted to temporarily individually control certain positions to gain experience applying local procedures. The temporary controlling permissions can be removed at any time. Example) A transferring controller with S3 rating that has completed transfer training at a Tower position may be temporarily allowed to provide ATC at that Tower position independently. Thereafter, the training may proceed at an Approach position. Practical online training would realistically always been needed and is highly encouraged, though it cannot be enforced and be mandatory according to the current TVCP except for familiarisation sessions at Enroute positions. It is technically possible for the transferring controller to immediately request a Competency Check without any training, but it is not recommended since it will most probably results in a failed check and rejection of the transfer. Enroute Positions For C1 practical transfer training, familiarization training is required for each new Enroute position that is controlled during normal traffic levels. The controller is required to provide ATC indenpendently at each new Enroute position for at least 10 hours before proceeding with further training on additional Enroute positions. New Region, Division, Subdivision and FIR Once the theoretical and practical training has been successfully completed the controller’s home Region, Division, Subdivision and FIR is officially changed. If the controller made an internal transfer from one FIR to another FIR within VATSIM Scandinavia and fulfill the requirments for Visiting controller, the controller will remain a Visiting Controller in the previous FIR. Positions The controller is granted approval to control unrestricted positions. Further Training After having completed at least 10 hours of independent ATC, the controller may apply for further rating and endorsement training (Tier 1 and Tier 2) by registering a Training Request in Control Center (CC). The Training Request will put in the normal queue for regular home controllers. Rules Priority The transferring controller will put into the standard training queue and have the same priority as home controllers waiting for further rating, endorsement, familiarization, or refresh training. Rating The transferring controller: retain the controller rating (S1, S2, S3, C1 or C3) is downgraded from any Instructor rating (I1 or I3) to the highest controller rating the controller had before being awarded the instructor rating. Visiting External Controllers Introduction The global VATSIM Transfer and Visiting Controllers Policy ( TVCP ) defines global requirements and rules for controllers who would like to transfer or visit another Region, Division, and Subdivision. The VATSIM Scandinavia Visiting Controller Policy for External Controllers is based on the TVCP to ensure compliance with the global VATSIM policies. This policy applies to external controllers from another Region, Division, and Subdivision outside VATSIM Scandinavia who would like to become a Visiting Controller in one of VATSIM Scandinavia’s FIR: Helsinki FIR (Finland) Sweden FIR (Sweden) Copenhagen FIR (Denmark) Polaris FIR (Norway) Reykjavik FIR (Iceland) Note: The five FIRs within VATSIM Scandinavia are considered to be different subdivisions with respect to training. Requirements and procedures for VATSIM Scandinavia Home Controllers who would like to control within another FIR in VATSIM Scandinavia are defined in the VATSIM Scandinavia Visiting Controller Policy for Home Controllers . Definition A Visiting Controller is a controller who is granted permission to provide ATC in an other Region, Division, Subdivision, and FIR, while still remaining assigned to their home Region, Division, Subdivision, and FIR. Requirements A VATSIM controller who would like to become a Visiting Controller in VATSIM Scandinavia must fulfil the following requirements: Rating Hold a S3 rating or higher. Experience Have provided at least 50 hours of active ATC after passing the check for their current rating in their home Region, Division, and Subdivision. Current Be considered a current ATC in their home Region, Division, and Subdivision. Active The Controller fulfill VATSIM Scandinavia's requirement of having provided at least 5 hours ATC during the last 6 months to be considered an active controller. Behaviour The controller is in good standing with VATSIM. No disciplinary issues within the last 12 months. Other Training Is not waiting for or has ongoing training in another Region, Division, Subdivision, and FIR. Procedure Application A controller from a Region, Division, and Subdivision outside VATSIM Scandinavia who would like to become a Visiting Controller in one of VATSIM Scandinavia’s FIR should submit a request to VATEUD. Information The application must contain the following information in the ” Reason for visiting request ” field: Application text detailing motivation and ability to provide good service to pilots after training. Home Region, Division, Subdivision, and FIR (vACC) Contact details of their home vACC Director and Training Director Selection of one (1) of the five FIRs Helsinki, Sweden, Copenhagen, Polaris, or Reykjavik to visit Incomplete requests will be rejected. Make sure to provide the all details listed above. Approval The VATSIM Scandinavia Director is responsible for: Verifying that controllers applying to become Visiting Controllers fulfil all requirements Checking references from the controller’s home vACC Director or Training Director Approving that the controller is accepted to register a training request for training to become a Visiting Controller The VATSIM Scandinavia Director may delegate tasks (a) and (b) listed above to the VATSIM Scandinavia Training Director. Training The Training Director and the Training Lead in the visiting FIR are responsible for creating a familiarization training plan and making sure training to normal expected minimum standards are completed before any visiting rights are granted. Genuine Interest The controller should initially be provided familiarization training at an unrestricted Tower position. Once the controller has demonstrated genuine interest in participating in controlling in the VATSIM Scandinavia community, the training will continue. Demonstrating genuine interest could for example be shown by consistently and regularly providing individual ATC for a reasonable time. Tier 1 and Tier 2 Training The controller may request Tier 1 and Tier 2 training after having provided at least 10 hours of individual ATC at unrestricted positions in the visiting FIR. Rules Eligibility It is possible for controllers in any VATSIM Region, Division, and Subdivision to apply for training to control unrestricted, Tier 1 and Tier 2 positions in one of the FIRs in VATSIM Scandinavia as Visiting Controllers provided the requirements above are fulfilled. Previous VATSIM Scandinavia Home Controller A controller that has transferred out of VATSIM Scandinavia may become a Visiting Controller in VATSIM Scandinavia in the FIR they left without any additional training, if the application to become a Visiting Controller is received within 3 months of leaving VATSIM Scandinavia. Priority Training home controllers for higher ratings, endorsements, and familiarization training in another FIR is prioritized over training controllers who would like to become Visiting Controllers in VATSIM Scandinavia. A very rough estimate of waiting times for ATC training for home controllers is approximately 8 to 15 months. Though it is not impossible to become a Visiting Controller, the waiting times might be long. ATC Standards Visiting Controllers should provide ATC to at least the same minimum required standards as regular home controllers. Behaviour The Visiting Controller should understand and comply the with contents of the VATSIM Scandinavia’s Constitution. Active ATC The Visiting Controller should provide at least 5 hours of ATC in VATSIM Scandinavia each rolling 6-month period to remain active ATC. If the Visiting Controller does not fulfil the activity requirement, the Visiting Controller is considered inactive. Fresh Training An inactive Visiting Controller may apply for refresh training to become active ATC if the following requirements are fulfilled: The controller makes the request for refresh training within 6 months after becoming inactive It is the first time the Visiting Controller has become inactive in VATSIM Scandinavia The controller is considered current in their home Regional, Division, and Subdivision Refresh Training Standards An inactive Visiting Controller that fulfilles the requirements for refresh training should be trained in the same way as regular home controllers in VATSIM Scandinavia. Underperformance If the Visiting Controller is found to be providing ATC below the expected minimum required standards: The Training Lead or the FIR Director should coordinate with the Training Director to issue a formal warning. The warning should clearly specify concrete evidence of under performance and a statement of what corrective actions the Visiting Controller would need to take to reach an acceptable level of ATC. The Visiting Controller should immediately implement corrective actions. If the Visiting Controller continues to underperform after 14 days, the Training Director should apply to VATEUD for removal of the controller’s visiting rights in VATSIM Scandinavia. Removal of Visiting Controller Privileges A Visiting Controller is removed as a Visiting Controller in VATSIM Scandinavia if any of the following conditions occur: The Visiting Controller has become inactive a second time within 2 years of having performed refresh training. The Visiting Controller has been inactive for more than 6 months and has not by own initiative explicitly in written form requested refresh training. The Visiting Controller is underperformning, attempts to solve the problem has not been successful, and VATEUD has approved removal. Disciplinary action has been taken against the Visiting Controller in their home Region, Division, and Subdivision and removal has been approved by the EMEA Region Vice President. Returning Visiting Controller A controller who has been removed as a Visiting Controller in VATSIM Scandinavia is required to re-apply to become a Visiting Controller. Rating Training Visiting Controllers should be trained for higher ratings in their home Region, Division, and Subdivision. Thus, VATSIM Scandinavia does not provide ATC training for higher ratings for Visiting Controllers. VATSIM Scandinavia Staff Positions Visiting Controllers cannot hold staff positions at VATSIM Scandinavia. Visiting Home Controllers Introduction The five FIRs within VATSIM Scandinavia are considered to be five different Subdivisions with respect to training. Thus, if a VATSIM Scandinavia Home Controller assigned to one FIR ( home FIR ) would like to control positions in another FIR ( visiting FIR ) the controller needs to apply to become a Visiting Controller. Definition A Visiting Controller is a controller who is granted permission to provide ATC in an other Region, Division, Subdivision, and FIR, while still remaining assigned to their home Region, Division, Subdivision, and FIR. The VATSIM Scandinavia Visiting Controller Policy for Home Controllers is based on the global VATSIM Transfer and Visiting Controllers Policy ( TVCP ), however, with some adaptions, since controllers will be both a Home Controller and a Visiting Controller at the same time within VATSM Scandinavia. Requirements A VATSIM Scandinavia Home Controller who would like to provide ATC in another FIR in VATSIM Scandinavia must fulfil the following requirements: Rating Hold a S3 rating or higher. Experience Have provided at least 50 hours of active ATC after passing the check for their current rating. Active Be active ATC in VATSIM Scandinavia Behaviour The controller is in good standing with VATSIM, VATSIM Scandinavia communities, and the Training Department. No disciplinary issues within the last 12 months. Other Training Not have any other training request registered in Control Center (CC), nor be waiting for training or have ongoing training in another Region, Division, Subdivision, and FIR. Procedure Requirements The Home Controller should make sure all requirements are met. Training Request The Home Controller should register a familiarization training request in CC for training in the desired FIR, or send an email to the Training Director ( training-director@vatsim-scandinavia.org ) Familiarisation Training The Training Director and the Training Lead in the visiting FIR are responsible for creating a familiarisation training plan and making sure training to normal expected minimum standards are completed before any visiting rights are granted. Unrestricted Positions The controller should first be provided familiarization training at unrestricted positions. Tier 1 and Tier 2 Training The controller may request Tier 1 and Tier 2 training after having provided at least 10 hours of individual ATC at unrestricted positions in the visiting FIR. Rules Eligibility It is possible for Home Controllers in any FIR in VATSIM Scandinavia to apply for training to control unrestricted, Tier 1 and Tier 2 positions in another FIR in VATSIM Scandinavia as a Visiting Controller, provided the requirements above are fulfilled. Priority A VATSIM Scandinavia Home Controller who would like to control in another FIR within VATSIM Scandinavia will receive the same priority as a regular Home FIR controller for training at unrestricted positions and for Tier 1 and Tier 2 positions. ATC Standards Visiting Controllers should provide ATC to at least the same minimum required standards as regular Home FIR controllers. Active ATC The controller should provide active ATC for at least 10 hours each rolling 12-month period in: the home FIR and the visiting FIR Underperformance If the Visiting Controller is found to be providing ATC below the expected minimum required standards: The Training Lead or the FIR Director should coordinate with the Training Director to issue a formal warning. The warning should clearly specify concrete evidence of under performance and a statement of what corrective actions the Visiting Controller would need to take to reach an acceptable level of ATC. The Visiting Controller should immediately implement corrective actions. Removal of Visiting Controller Privileges A Home Controller’s visiting privileges in another FIR in VATSIM Scandinavia are removed if any of the following conditions occur: The controller does not meet the activity requirements. The controller underperforms as ATC, a written warning about underperformance has been issued, 14 days has passed and the controller is still underperformning. Rating Training Visiting Controllers should be trained for higher ratings in their Home FIR. The Visiting FIR in VATSIM Scandinavia does not provide ATC training for higher ratings for Visiting Controllers. Transition Real Life ATCO and IVAO Introduction Students with extensive prior Air Traffic Control ( ATC ) experience who hold an ATC rating as a Real-life Air Traffic Control Officer ( ATCO ), or International Virtual Aviation Organisation ( IVAO ) network controller may apply for Transition Training at VATSIM Scandinavia. Note : Transition Training at VATSIM Scandinavia is referred to as Fast-Track in VATSIM and VATEUD documentation. However, the term Fast-Track is misleading, as it creates the impression of skipping the training queue, which is generally not the case. Definition Transition Training means the training will be individually adapted, performed at an accelerated pace, and the student does not need to complete a formal Controller Practical Test ( CPT ). The VATSIM Scandinavia Transition Training procedures are based on the VATEUD ATD Fast Track procedures . Requirements To be accepted for Transition Training, candidates must fulfil at least one of the following requirements: Background Current rating Transition to VATSIM rating Real-life ATCO ADV, ADI S2 APP, APS, ACP, ACS S3 IVAO controller APC S2 ACC S3 Real-life ATCO A real-life ATCO holding an ADV or ADI rating is eligible for Transition Training up to S2 rating on VATSIM. Note that the real-life ATCO's rating must be valid, or have been valid within the last 3 years. IVAO controller Transition Training from an IVAO rating is permitted to the corresponding VATSIM rating one step below. For example, if an IVAO controller holds an APC (approach positions on IVAO), Transition Training to VATSIM rating S2 (tower positions on VATSIM) is possible. The IVAO controller must have provided at least 5 hours of online ATC within the last 3 years. Training Request Candidates meeting the requirements who wish to request Transition Training should contact the VATSIM Scandinavia Training Director by email ( training-director@vatsim-scandinavia.org ). Real-life ATCO The ATCO should include a high resolution copy of their real-life ATC license and certificates. IVAO controller The IVAO controller should include a screenshot clearly showing: Name Rank Controller hours Date of last controlling session Candidates should select one (1) country Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, or Iceland, where they would like to train. Transition Training Procedure Since the knowledge, skills, and background of students accepted into the Transition Training program may vary widely, there is no standardized one-size-fits-all training procedure. Instead, the Training Lead and the Training Director create an individual Transition Training plan based on the student's background. The individual plan should generally be based on one of the following templates. Direct Transition Training Direct Transition Training is applicable if the real-life ATCO has a rating and endorsement for a particular unit and would like to provide ATC on VATSIM only at the corresponding position(s) up to S3 level, possibly including Tier 1 endorsements. If for example an ATCO has real-life license to provide ATC at GG APP and TWR and would like to control Göteborg Approach and Landvetter Tower on VATSIM, the following Direct Transition Training plan would be used as basis for the individual Transition Training plan. It is not mandatory, but highly encouraged to start practical training with Direct Transition Training students with higher priority, since they would be able to provide valuable information with respect to real-life local operational procedures at positions we simulate at VATSIM Scandinavia. .timeline { position: relative; padding-left: 40px; margin: 20px 0; width: 100%; } .timeline .line { position: absolute; left: 15px; top: 0; bottom: 0; width: 2px; background-color: #1a475f; } .timeline .line-end { position: absolute; left: 15px; bottom: 0; width: calc(100% - 15px); height: 2px; background-color: #1a475f; } .timeline .dot { position: absolute; left: 11px; width: 10px; height: 10px; border-radius: 50%; background-color: #1a475f; z-index: 1; } .timeline .event { margin-bottom: 25px; padding-bottom: 0; border-bottom: none; } .finHeader { font-weight: bold; color: #1a475f; margin: 0 0 8px 0; font-size: 1.1em; } .timeline a { color: #1a475f; text-decoration: underline; } .timeline a:hover { text-decoration: none; } VATEUD Core Test Fast-Track Theory Exam When the student's application for Transition Training has been verified and accepted by the VATSIM Scandinavia Training Director and the VATEUD Training Department, the student is given access to the VATEUD Core Test Fast-Track theory exam. Practical Training The Training Lead request rating upgrade when the student has passed the VATEUD Core Test Exam. When a mentor is available, the mentor provide 1 to 2 practical training sessions at the specific position(s) focussing on VATSIM software, environment and community. Obviously, the student is expected to perform exceptionally well with respect to controlling skills and applying local operating procedures considering the professional background and training. Training Completion Once the student has become familiar with the VATSIM environment and after completing the final session, the student may staff the specific position(s) on VATSIM. Conditional Transition Training Conditional Transition Training is applicable for real-life ATCO who hold an ATC license at a different unit from the position(s) they would like to control at VATSIM Scandinavia, and for controllers with IVAO rating APC or higher. Note : The local operating procedures, such as phraseology, controlling software, and environment at VATSIM Scandinavia might be much more different from the real-life procedures in other countries and regions than you might expect. Thus, a stepwise training approach should be applied. If the student does not perform at the expected level at any step of the Conditional Transition Training, the Training Lead and the Training Director may jointly decide to abort the Conditional Transition Training and transfer the student to the standard training queue and program. .timeline { position: relative; padding-left: 40px; margin: 20px 0; width: 100%; } .timeline .line { position: absolute; left: 15px; top: 0; bottom: 0; width: 2px; background-color: #1a475f; } .timeline .line-end { position: absolute; left: 15px; bottom: 0; width: calc(100% - 15px); height: 2px; background-color: #1a475f; } .timeline .dot { position: absolute; left: 11px; width: 10px; height: 10px; border-radius: 50%; background-color: #1a475f; z-index: 1; } .timeline .event { margin-bottom: 25px; padding-bottom: 0; border-bottom: none; } .finHeader { font-weight: bold; color: #1a475f; margin: 0 0 8px 0; font-size: 1.1em; } .timeline a { color: #1a475f; text-decoration: underline; } .timeline a:hover { text-decoration: none; } Self-Study When the student's application for Transition Training has been verified and accepted by the Training Director and the VATEUD Training Department, the student is given access to pre-training material. The student is expected to prepare and commit to self-studies. Simulator Training Once a mentor is available 1 to 2 Sweatbox sessions are performed. The student is expected to: have exceptionally good theoretical background knowledge have acquired knowledge of local operating procedures and understanding of basic functionality of VATSIM controller software from self-studies quickly understand, implement, and remember feedback from the mentor S1 Rating The Training Lead assigns the VATEUD S1 Core test to the student and requests S1 rating upgrade once the student has passed the test. Tower Online Training The student has 1 to 2 sessions online a tower position together with the mentor. The student is expected to correctly apply local operating procedures, standard phraseology, and quickly adapt to the VATSIM environment. If the mentor is in doubt regarding the student's progress and performance, the mentor should immediately discuss next steps with the Training Lead. S2 Rating If the student follows the Conditional Transition Training up to S2 level, the student is assigned the VATEUD Core Fast Track theory exam (S2 level) and is upgraded to S2 once passed the theory test. Thereafter, the training is completed. Consolidation If the student follow Conditional Transition Training up to S3 level, the student is assigned the VATEUD S2 Core test. Once the test is passed, the student is upgraded to S2. The Training Lead may require the student to control on their own at a tower position for up to 50 hours during a 3-month period before the training continueus. Practical Approach Control Training The student has 1 to 2 practical sessions together with the mentor. The session(s) could be performed in Sweatbox and/or online at the mentor's discretion. The student is expected to have extraordinary good vectoring skills and be able to correctly apply local operating procedures. If the mentor is in doubt regarding the student's progress and performance, the mentor should discuss next steps with the Training Lead. S3 Rating If the mentor and the Training Lead find that the student's performance is satisfactory, the student is assigned the VATEUD Core Fast-Track theory exam (S3 level). Once the test is passed, the student is upgraded to S3. Thereafter, the training is completed. Rules for Transition Training Training Queue Transition Training requests are placed in the normal training queue with the same priority as regular home VATSIM Scandinavia students. Real-life ATCO with ATC license at a unit in the same country where they would like to provide ATC on VATSIM may be prioritized after approval by the Training Director. Underperformance The student will be removed from the Transition Training program if any of the following conditions occur: Theory Severe and significant theoretical knowledge gaps are identified. Skills ATC skills fall far below expectations for the student's stated background. Progress Progress fails to meet the expectations while following accelerated training pace. That is, the Training Director may at any point remove the student from the Transition Training program, if the student does not perform at the expected level and place the student in the standard training queue and programs. Remarks The Transition Training program is exclusively aimed at students that already have professional or extensive ATC experience. Thus, the following is outside the scope of Transition Training: Additional Training Sessions If the student needs more than 2 training sessions during initial Sweatbox training, S2, or S3 training, the student should be transferred to a corresponding standard training program. Controller Practical Test (CPT) or Validation Sessions If the mentor and the Training Lead would like to have a second opinion a second mentor should be invited as observer during one of the training sessions to provide a broader perspective of the student's performance. Tier 1 and Tier 2 Endorsement Training Tier 1 and Tier 2 Endorsement training should be conducted within the standard training programs, except if the real-life ATCO has professional license to control the corresponding position. Area Control Surveillance (C1 rating) Area Control on VATSIM is during normal conditions usually very different from real-life in some aspects: Complexity Area Control positions on VATSIM are procedurally highly complex, since top-down coverage for approach and tower positions below might be included. Coverage VATSIM area control position may bandbox a large number of real-life sectors. Traffic Flow Traffic flows might unexpectedly increase to very high levels, since Traffic Flow Management might be limitied at times. Thus, C1 training should be performed within the standard training programs. Real-life pilots The Transition Training program is aimed at students with extensive previous ATC experience, thus pilots with for example PPL, ATPL, or MPL are not eligible. Other positions and higher rating training If the student wishes to control other positions or train for a higher rating, the student should register a standard Training Request in the training administration program Control Center( CC ). Controller Practical Test (CPT) policy for VATSCA Introduction This guideline ensures fair and transparent student assessments across VATSIM Scandinavia. Adherence to the following policies is required: “VATEUD CPT Log Guidelines – Ver. 1.2,” “VATEUD Division Training Policy – Ver. 1.0,” and “VATSIM-POL-GCAP – Ver. 1.1.” The “CPT Log” (ver. 1.3) must be used for all S2, S3, and C1 rating CPTs and can be downloaded here . For Tier-1/Tier-2 endorsements, an examiner assesses the student only if they fail to meet standards after 4 training sessions. If the student meets or exceeds standards, the endorsement is issued immediately; otherwise, the Training Director is consulted. A T1/T2 endorsement does not require a CPT. A CPT must be conducted at any Training airport and may only occur at a T1/T2 airport if the endorsement is part of the training. CPTs on Sweatbox requires the Training Directors approval. Failure to follow this policy and use the CPT log invalidates the CPT. Refer to the “VATEUD CPT Log Guidelines” for guidance on each rating. Coverage ATC manning positions on VATSIM are generally required to provide top-down coverage. S2 CPT ATC with S2 rating should be able to cover TWR as well as GND and DEL positions below, when they are not separately manned. It is the responsibility of the Examiner to arrange the S2 CPT so the student could demonstrate these controlling capabilities. Several options are available, for example: The candidate man the TWR position with no supporting ATC on GND or DEL , however, controller(s) are on standby to open any of these positions at the examiner's discretion. At the start of the S2 CPT the candidate man the TWR position with support below at least on GND . In the middle of the S2 CPT the candidate switch to the GND position with no DEL . The candidate man the TWR position at the start of the CPT with supporting GND and DEL positions below to attract traffic. At the examiner's discretion the GND including DEL is closed to let the candidate demonstrate top-down coverage for some period of the S2 CPT. S3 CPT A controller with S3 rating should be able to cover APP as well as TWR position(s) below when they are not separately manned. It is the responsibility of the Examiner to arrange the S3 CPT so the student could demonstrate these controlling capabilities. At VATSIM Scandinavia generally APP positions provide coverage for additional regional airports within the TMA. Thus, top-down coverage could be demonstrated by controlling traffic at these regional airports. At the discretion of the examiner it is allowed to have the main airport TWR , GND , and DEL positions staffed during a S3 CPT, but not the regional towers below within TMA as well. C1 CPT A controller with C1 rating should be able to cover CTR as well as position(s) below when they are not separately manned. It is the responsibility of the Examiner to arrange the C1 CPT so the student could demonstrate these controlling capabilities. Regional airport TWR s in VATSIM Scandinavia generally also provide regional TMA control. Thus, top-down coverage could be demonstrated by controlling traffic at these regional airports. At the discretion of the examiner it is allowed to have: The main airport APP , TWR , GND and DEL positions staffed during the C1 CPT A couple of regional towers might be staffed to check coordination skills, however, the majority of the regional airports should not be staffed. It is not allowed to have RTC covering all regional tower during a C1 CPT. Higher positions should always be manned to attract traffic and ensure proper handover. Examiners For a C1 CPT, two examiners are required. If a second examiner is unavailable, inform the Training Director. Examiners must agree unanimously; if not, mark the CPT 'Postponed,' write a summary, and provide the log file to the Training Director for a decision. For S3 and S2 CPTs, two examiners or an examiner and a mentor must be present. If unavailable, the CPT may proceed with one examiner, who will make the final decision. The assisting examiner/mentor should be consulted, aiming for a unanimous decision. Examiners must be impartial. If an impartial examiner is not available, inform the Training Director. The examiner's decision is final and must be communicated to the student within 1 hour, subject to override only by the Training Director or VATEUD. The examiner must save the EuroScope log file from the CPT and store it for at least 1 month, providing it to the Training Director upon request. Results leading to a failed CPT The examiner can end the CPT at any time if the examinee is performing significantly below standards. A CPT cannot be failed if all competencies are sufficient. If a competency is marked insufficient but the trainee passes, a clear explanation is required. More than two insufficient results in a fail. A loss of separation results in a failed CPT unless: It was partly caused by an adjacent ATC station, and the examinee acted quickly to resolve it. It was partly caused by poor pilot performance, and the examinee acted quickly to resolve it. The situation was too complex, and additional stations should have been online for support. A burst of airspace results in a failed CPT unless: It was due to poor pilot performance, and the examinee acted quickly to resolve it. Adjacent sectors approved the burst beforehand. A collision or near collision on the ground results in a failed CPT unless: It was due to poor pilot performance, and the examinee acted quickly to resolve it. Failing the "Demonstrates professional behavior and pleasant attitude" field results in a failed CPT. If any field is marked N/A, it must be reviewed theoretically with the examinee after the CPT. If the examinee fails to respond correctly, it is marked as Insufficient with a comment. If there is insufficient traffic to assess competencies, use "The trainee needs to be observed again." The filled sheet must be provided to the examinee, and a new CPT scheduled. Requirements for Examiners All VATSIM Scandinavia examiners must: Hold at least one rating higher than the position being examined (C1 or higher for C1 CPTs). Be an active mentor and controller. Be in good standing with the VATSCA Training Department. To recruit examiners, the local Training Manager nominates candidates to the Training Director. If approved, the nominee conducts an examination with an experienced examiner, who evaluates their eligibility. If both the Training Manager and the Training Director find the nominee satisfactory, an endorsement is issued. FAQ How to start ATC training Question: I am interested in participating in ATC training in VATSIM Scandinavia, what do I do? Answer: Just go over to Control Center and log in via VATSIM Connect (Single Sign On), choose country of interest and request your training. Your training request will be handled within CC, where you will receive messages and status updates about your training request. Note: Visiting Controller: Follow instructions on Visiting Controller policy . Note: Transfer from other network or fast upgrade (Real life ATC or commercial pilot) contact the Training Director training-director@vatsim-scandinavia.org . Question: I signed up for ATC training some time ago, how come I haven’t heard anything yet, not even a confirmation email from the training department, that my request has been received? Answer: Information regarding your training request and its status is handled within CC. You will receive information to your VATSIM registered email account. Question: I signed up for ATC training some time ago, how come I haven’t heard anything yet, only a confirmation email from CC (Control Center)? Answer: Usually you must expect some waiting time, depending on how many mentors are active and how many students are waiting in line in the country, where you applied for training. In some cases, this waiting time can even be several months, so some patience is needed. Question: I signed up for training some weeks before another guy I know, but he has been assigned a mentor before I have, how come? Answer: The sequence in which mentors are assigned to students is not strictly by date of request. Other factors like current rating, type of training (rating upgrade/Major airport endorsement) are also taken into consideration, because not all mentors are doing all kinds of training. Hence you cannot always expect to be assigned a mentor before another student, who signed up later than yourself. Question: What about pilot-training, are you providing that too? Answer: Yes we are! You can read more about our training Pilot Training department here . After training is completed Question: I just passed my checkout, am I allowed to open a position right away? Answer: If the validation is an Tier 1 or Tier 2 only, then yes. If the checkout is for obtaining a new rating (e.g. S2), then your rating must be upgraded before you can open the position. You will receive an automatic email from the VATSIM network when the upgrade is completed. Question: I haven’t received a rating upgrade email after passing my checkout, what is wrong? Answer: It can last up to 72 hours before the rating upgrade has been processed by the network servers. In case you haven’t received your upgrade email within this period, please send an email to the training director on training-director@vatsim-scandinavia.org including your VATSIM ID, in order to get the missing upgrade investigated.