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T2 APS

Purpose

This document provides essential information for students currently undertaking or planning to begin their T2 APS training in Sweden. It outlines the entry requirements, suggested preparations, expectations on students, course syllabus, training timelines, and course criteria.

1. Introduction

In Sweden, there are 24 civil regional airports where the Tower controller provides air traffic services in both the Control Zone and the Terminal Area. Since these airports only have a few aircraft movements per hour, a dedicated Approach controller is not required.

Because the Tower controller also covers the Approach position, the T2 APS course introduces you to radar and approach procedures. This makes it a very theory-heavy course, as it covers the same subjects as the entire S3 rating course. The only real difference is the amount of traffic you are expected to handle.

2. Entry Requirements

Before applying for T2 APS training, the following entry requirements must be met:

  • Hold a VATSIM, VATEUD and VATSIM Scandinavia membership.
  • Hold a permanent VATSIM S2 rating or higher.
  • Have an active training request registered in the Control Center (CC).
  • Have logged at least 5 hours as active ATC within the last month prior to training commencement, preferably within Sweden.

3. Suggested Preparations

To maximize your chances of successfully completing your T2 APS training, we strongly encourage you to complete the following preparations before your first session:

  • Fly to an APS Aerodrome: Get an understanding of how APS aerodromes operate and how operations can be streamlined with the low traffic volumes.
  • Fly between ESSA and ESGG: Get an understanding of how Approach Control works and the phraseology used.

4. Expectation on Students

Theory Studies

Since the theory material is heavy and introduces many new aspects, we have high expectations for you to study the provided material thoroughly. Additionally, VATEUD's Training Policy states that there should, on average, be no more than three practical training sessions. Therefore, we expect you to study the material deeply and focus heavily on the feedback given by your mentors after each session.

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

6. 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.

 

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