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S3 Rating

Purpose

This document provides essential information for students currently undertaking or planning to begin their S2 training in Sweden. It outlines the entry requirements, suggested preparations, expectations on students, course syllabus, training timelines, and course criteria.

1. Introduction

After aquiring your S1 rating, the S2 rating is the obvious next step. With the S2 rating, you are authorized to staff unrestricted Tower positions across Sweden.

Becoming a Tower controller significantly expands your area of responsibility, introducing you to airspace classifications and separation standards. In this role, you are responsible for the Control Zone (CTR)—the immediate airspace surrounding the aerodrome. It is your primary duty to ensure that aircraft take off and land safely, maintaining separation from other traffic in the vicinity of the airfield.

2. Entry Requirements

Before applying for S2 training, the following entry requirements must be met:

  • Hold a VATSIM, VATEUD and VATSIM Scandinavia membership.
  • Hold a permanent VATSIM S1 rating or higher (S3, C1, or C3).
  • Have conducted S1 training in Sweden FIR.
  • Have an active training request registered in the Control Center (CC).
  • Have logged at least 30 online hours as active ATC in Sweden

Don't stop controlling!
To show your continuous interest in S2 training, please continue to provide ATC services regularly after submitting your application. Training priority is given to members who show consistent engagement and actively contribute to the community.

3. Suggested Preparations

To maximize your chances of successfully completing your S2 training, we strongly encourage you to complete the following preparations before your first session:

  • Gain Event Experience: Gain experience on Ground and Delivery positions during challenging traffic conditions (e.g. during events)

  • Practice VFR Flights: Practice flying VFR using both English and Swedish phraseology with active ATC.

4. Expectations on Students

Just like the S1 training, the S2 training is also very demanding for the student, as well as your mentors. The syllabus contains far more practical training sessions, both online and in simulation, requiring a lot of time from both parties. It also relies significantly more on you to practice on your free time, while holding a solo endorsement (read more about it in section 5).

Time Commitment

The S2 training takes significantly more time and requries a large amount of time from you as a student. While holding a solo endorsement, it is solely your own responsibility to remain active and practice on Tower positions online.

If you think you do not have enought time when you are assigned training, please advise the Training Team Member of Sweden. Your training request may then be returned back to the queue and remain in front of the queue.

Activity Requirements

In order to maintain a smooth and efficient training progression, we have established clear rules regarding student activity.
  • We expect all students to complete at least one training session every 14 days. If you do not schedule a training session within this two-week window, an inactivity warning will be issued. Following this warning, you will have an additional two weeks to arrange a session with your mentor, after which your training may be discontinued if no progress has been made.
  • If you are unable to attend training within a two-week period due to vacation or real-life commitments, please proactively inform both your mentor and the Sweden Training Team. By notifying us in advance, you will ensure that no inactivity warning is issued and that your training status remains secure.
  • Any continuous absence exceeding one month will be reviewed and handled on a case-by-case basis.

5. Course Timeline

We expect all students to follow the timeline outlined below.

Apply for Training

Apply for S2 training in Control Center.

Begin Pre-Training

Once it is your turn in the queue, you will receive an email notification confirming that your training request status has been updated to Pre-Training. Simultaneously, you will be assigned a mentor and granted access to the S2 Moodle course.

Self-Study & Theory Test

Study the provided theoretical materials independently and complete the S2 Theory Test. Detailed information regarding the test can be found within the Moodle.

This self-study phase and the accompanying test must be completed within a timeframe of two weeks.

Simulation Exercises with Mentor

After completing the theoretical exam with a passing score, you may begin simulation training with your mentor. It is your responsibility as a student to suggest times for training.

Online Training with Mentor

Online training sessions where you will continue practicing applying Tower control concepts with live VATSIM traffic. We recommend trying to book a session with your mentor during an event.

At least two online training sessions must be conducted.

VATEUD S2 Core Test

Once your mentor believes you are ready to practice on your own (and pass a CPT), you will receive access to the VATEUD S2 Core Test.

Solo Endorsement Practice

Upon successfully passing your VATEUD Core Test, you will receive a Solo Endorsement valid for 30 days, allowing you to staff your assigned Tower position without mentor supervision. At the same time, your Controller Practical Test (CPT) should be scheduled to take place while your solo endorsement is still valid.

Controller Practical Test

To finish your S2 training, your practical skills will be assessed during a Controller Practical Test (CPT).

Position ESGG_TWR (or ESMS_TWR)
Duration 90 to 120 minutes
Supporting ATC positions ESGG_GND at the discretion of the examiner

If you fail your CPT, you will be offered further training and a new CPT later on.

Training Completion

Upon successfully passing your Controller Practical Test, you will receive your S2 rating upgrade from VATEUD. You may staff unsrestricted S2 positions in Sweden.

6. Theory

The Moodle course Sweden FIR – S2 Rating contains the theoretical material required for the S2 rating within Sweden. The curriculum is divided into the following key subject areas:

Airspace, Altimetry & Meteorology

  • Airspace Structure: Understanding the Swedish airspace structure, various airspace classes, and the operational boundaries of the Control Zone (CTR).

  • Altimetry Concepts: Understanding the practical application and differences between Transition Altitude and Transition Level.

  • Meteorology: Advanced interpretation and complete decoding of METAR reports for operational use.

Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Operations

  • VFR Fundamentals: Managing the standard traffic circuit, VFR entry/exit points, and handling special VFR flights.

  • Traffic Management: Providing relevant and accurate traffic information to aircraft, and how restricted and danger areas work.

Separation Standards & Procedures

  • Separation Fundamentals: Applying runway separation, wake turbulence separation, departure separation, and utilizing reduced separation in the vicinity of aerodromes.

  • Abnormal Procedures: Standard operating methods for managing complex tactical situations, specifically missed approaches and aborted take-offs.

  • Emergency Regulations: Adhering to the VATSIM Code of Conduct regarding the handling and management of emergencies.

Radar Skills & TopSky Functions

  • TopSky Interface: Navigating the TopSky view, customizing the display setup, and mastering essential keyboard shortcuts.

  • Label Management: Interpreting, interacting with, and modifying basic TopSky label items.

7. Practical Training

The majority of the S2 practical training is conducted at Göteborg Landvetter Airport (ESGG). The training syllabus is divided into two distinct phases, beginning with structured simulator sessions before advancing to live traffic on the network.

Simulation Exercises

Training begins in a controlled simulator environment together with a mentor. The focus during this phase is to build core competencies and tactical skills. Specifically, the simulation exercises cover the following operational areas:

  • Basic IFR Traffic: Handling standard instrument flight rules arrivals and departures.

  • Separating IFR Departures: Applying proper separation minima and departure spacing between IFR aircraft.

  • Missed Approaches: Managing high pressure moments during go-arounds.

  • VFR Traffic: Integrating VFR aircraft into the control zone, including traffic circuits and entry/exit points.

Online Training

Once you demonstrate a proficient standard in the simulator, you will be cleared to begin training online with live traffic. When conducting these online sessions with a mentor, you will also have the opportunity to expand your practice to Malmö Sturup (ESMS) and Stockholm Bromma (ESSB). Please note that students must complete a minimum of two online training sessions before being eligible to be granted a Solo Endorsement.

8. Course Citeria

This is the official training criteria for all S2 students conducting their within Sweden. Each mentor is responsible for making sure that the students have a sufficient level on each of the outlined points before requesting to issue the VATEUD Core Test.

The following criteria are requirements from VATSIM's Global Controller Administration Policy.

1. General

  1. Demonstrates an understanding of the role of the local (tower) controller e.g. areas of responsibility and main tasks
  2. Selects the appropriate runway configuration based on weather, procedure, and operational requirements the student is able to correctly decide runway usage based on multiple factors (e.g. noise abatement procedures, shortest taxi routes, available approach types)
  3. Issues appropriate takeoff and departure instructions as needed the student understands when it is prudent to coordinate a non-standard departure for a specific aircraft
  4. Uses prescribed phraseology for takeoff and landing clearances the student knows the structure of the clearances
  5. Defines all parts of a VFR traffic pattern (circuit) the student knows every part of the traffic circuit and is able to use them correctly to manage VFR traffic
  6. Ensures aircraft are separated as required the student understands and applies radar separation, and knows when reduced separation is permitted within the CTR.
  7. Issues missed approach / go around instructions using prescribed phraseology the student uses correct phraseology and is able to coordinate a different go-around procedure
  8. Ensures adequate wake turbulence and departure separation exists the student understands and applies the mentioned separation standards, and understands that different aerodromes may have different target separation.
  9. Correctly transfers aircraft to the next controller the student uses correct phraseology, and ensures radar separation exists before transferring to an APP unit.
  10. Demonstrates a basic level of scan the student is able to plan ahead and ensure aircraft movements are conducted as smoothly as possible

2. Coordination

  1. Coordinates missed approaches / go arounds with the appropriate controller
  2. Coordinates changes in runway configurations with the appropriate controllers the student understands the required coordination and makes appropriate inputs in EuroScope
  3. Coordinates other elements as required with the appropriate controller
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