T2 APS

1. Introduction

Context

In Sweden there are 24 civil airports where one air traffic controller most of the time provide control service for traffic at the aerodrome, within the control zone and within the Terminal Control Area (TMA). These airports are listed in section 8. Positions, table at the end of this page.

With only a couple of movements each hour a separate approach position is normally not needed. However, the mixture of IFR and VFR flights might present special challenges.

With T2 APS Endorsement on VATSIM you are allowed to man all listed tower positions. All aerodromes have slightly different local operating procedures. Thus, an essential part of this course is to gain proficiency in reading local operating procedures, find relevant information in AIP when needed and be able to switch between different tower positions depending on current traffic conditions. If you would like flexibility and variation manning a lot of different positions this is the course for you.

If you would like to focus on ATC skills for separating a stream of arrivals within a TMA we recommend the S3 rating course.

2. Entrance Qualifications

In order to get accepted for active T2 APS raining the following criteria must be fullfilled:

• VATSIM, VATEUD and VATSIM Scandinavia membership
• S2 rating
• At least 5 hours logged as active ATC preferrably in Sweden the last month before starting training
• Registered a Training Request in the VATSIM Scandinavia Training system, Control Center (CC)

3. Theory

The theory for T2 APS endorsement include the following subjects:

• Airspace
• Class C separation requirements
• Terminal Control Area
  - Horizontal and vertical limits
• Approach types
• ILS, RNP, VOR, NDB, LOC and visual approaches
• Vertical distance
• Altitude
• Flight level
• Transition Level - Transition Layer - Transition Altitude
• Standard phraseology
• Control traffic in TMA
• Local Operating Procedures for civil regional airports in Sweden
• Airport layout
  - Runway
  - Taxiways
  - Parking stands


• Control zone
  - Vertical limits
  - VFR entry/exit points
  - VFR holdings


• Instrument approach
  - Radio beacons
  - Facilities for different runways (ILS CAT I or CAT II, VOR/DME, NDB, RNP)
  - Intercept altitudes


• TMA
  - Sectors
  - Controlled and uncontrolled airspace
  - Named waypoints


• SIDs and STARs to different runways
• Transition Altitude
• Specific local operational procedures at the airport

4. ATC skills

• Provide pilots with information
• Arrival
  - Runway in use
  - Intended type of approach
  - Read METAR
  - Transition level
  - Runway condition


• Other traffic
  - IFR or VFR


• Departure
  - Runway in use
  - Wind
  - Visibility (<10km, RVR)
  - Temperature
  - QNH
  - Runway condition
• Arrival
• Radar vector aircraft for approach using heading instructions
• Give timely descend or climb instructions to keep aircraft level separated if needed and within controlled airspace
• Handle maximum 3 IFR arrivals simultaneously in the TMA
• Clear for intended type of instrument approach, eg. ILS
• Departure
• Radar identification
  - Assign squawk code
  - Verify mode-C and correct altitude
• Hand-off to sector above
  - Release for climb, descend, turn or full
  - Transfer of communication to correct frequency
  - Transfer of control
• Coordinate
• Opening or closing tower position
• Runway in use
• Traffic deviating from Local Operating Procedures
• EuroScope and TopSky labels
• Initiate and accept system coordination
  - Direct
  - Level
• Lists and labels show correct status for given instructions
  - Cleared Flight Level (or altitude)
  - Assigned heading

5. Practical Training

The practical training include simulation exercises together with a mentor and focus on providing ATC at different regional airports including for example Visby and Jönköping.

6. Timelines

We expect that you have a genuine interest and a serious ambition to develop as ATC.

The following requirements and timelines apply:

Training Stage	Requirment
Read theory material	Completed within 3 weeks
Theory test, including potential re-test	Completed within 2 week
Simulation training together with mentor	At least one training session each 14-day period

If you are unable to meet these requirements and deadlines your training request might be closed without any prior notice. If you would like to apply again later it is possible after a cooling off period of 6 months.

7. Examination

During the training course both your theoretical knowledge and practical skills are examined. In order to pass the training course at least 80% of the questions in the Theory Test should be answered correctly. If you fail the first time you will get a second chance within 2 days. More than 2 attempts might be allowed after a cooling off period of 6 months.

Your practical skills are examined contineously by your mentor during the simulation exercises. The mentor decide together with Training Assistant or Deputy Training Assistant when the training is considered to be completed and T2 APS endorsement will be granted.