WIP - General Training Policies

• Procedures
• Transfer
• Transition ("Fast-track")
• Visiting Controller
• Responsibilities
• Student
• Mentor
• Examiner
• Examination
• Guideline
• Templates

Procedures

Transfer

Introduction

Any controller at VATSIM may transfer to a new Region, Division and Subdivision provided certain requirements are fulfilled.

Purpose

The Transfer Policy in VATSIM Scandinavia establishes requirements, procedures and rules for controllers that would like to permanently transfer from another Region, Division and Subdivision (allocation) to one of the five FIRs in VATSIM Scandinavia:

1. Helsinki FIR (Finland)
   
2. Sweden FIR (Sweden)
   
3. Copenhagen FIR (Denmark)
   
4. Polaris FIR (Norway)
   
5. Reykjavik FIR (Iceland)
   

Thus, this policy also covers internal transfers within VATSIM Scandinavia. It is based on the VATSIM Transfer and Visiting Controllers Policy (TVCP) to ensurces compliance with the global VATSIM policy.

Requirements

To be eligible for transfer the controller must meet the following requirements:

1. Rating
   
   1. Time
      At least 90 days has passed since a new rating was awarded.
   2. Experience
      The controller must have provided ATC for at least 50 hours after having passed the check for their current rating.


2. Previous transfer
   At least 90 days has passed since:
   1. Completing any previous transfer
   2. Failed to complete any transfer and having been returned to their home allocation


3. Behaviour
   The controller is in good standing with VATSIM. No history of disciplinary issues within the last 12 months.


4. 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.

Procedure

A controller that would like to transfer to one of the FIRs in VATSIM Scandinavia should proceed according to the following procedure:

1. Requirements
   The controller should make sure all the requirements are fulfilled.


2. Application
   The controller apply for transfer:
1. If the controller’s home Region, Division, Subdivision is outside VATSIM Scandinavia the controller apply for transfer via VATEUD webpage.
2. 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.
3. Select VATSIM Scandinavia FIR
   Once the application for transfer has been approved the transfer period begin and 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 allocation.


4. 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.


5. 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.
   
   
6. 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.


7. Timeframe
   Theory tests and practical training according to the individual practical transfer training plan should be completed within 90 days, otherwise the transfer will be rejected.


8. 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.
1. 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.
9. Positions
   The controller is granted approval to control unrestricted positions.


10. 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

The following rules apply to transferring controllers.

1. The transferring controller retain their ATC rating.
2. If the controller hold an INS rating it will be removed after completing transfer to a new home allocation.

Transition ("Fast-track")

Introduction

Students with extensive prior Air Traffic Control (ATC) experience who hold an ATC rating as a

1. Real-life Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO), or
2. International Virtual Aviation Organisation (IVAO) network controller

may apply for Transition Training at VATSIM Scandinavia.

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.

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.

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.

Rules for Transition Training

1. 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.


2. 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:

1. 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.
   


2. 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.


3. 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.


4. 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.


5. 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).

Visiting Controller

Responsibilities

Student

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

1. VATSIM and VATEUD
   The student must fulfil the requirements described in GCAP and DTP.


2. Good standing
   The student must be in good standing with the VATSIM Scandinavia training department, mentors and the VATSIM Scandinavia FIR communities.


3. Language
   All students should be able to communicate and provide air traffic control service in English, the internationally accepted language for air traffic control.


4. 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.


5. 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.


6. 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.
   
   1. Active
      The student must have been controlling actively at least 5 hours within 30 days before scheduling any practical training session(s).
   2. 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:

1. VATSIM
   The student should adhere to the VATSIM Code of Conduct General Rules and Controller Conduct.


2. 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.


3. Communication
   
   1. Initial contact
      The student shall make initial contact with the mentor or staff of the training programme within seven (7) days of assignment.
   2. 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.­
   
   
4. Planning
   The student is able to make and follow plans.
1. 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.
2. Show up
   The student should show up on time to all scheduled sessions.
3. 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.
5. 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.


6. 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.


7. 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.


8. Commitment
   
1. Set aside time
   The student is prepared to commit to at least 5 hours each 14-day period for training, self-study, and availability.
2. 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.
3. Prepare
   The student should show up to training sessions well prepared with own questions and answers to study questions from the mentor.
9. Respectful behaviour
   The student understands that the mentors commit their spare time to train others.


10. 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.

Mentor

Examiner

Examination

Guideline

Templates