Student Controlling Practices

[Rob H - 811428]

With the growing pool of ATC, some incorrect practices have begun to creep into common use in the VATPAC division.

 

 

Radar Range:

VATSIM policies require that the radar range for positions to be restricted, at all times, to what is necessary. The MAXIMUM ranges have been stipulated as;

 

10-20 nm for DEL/GND

 

30-50 nm for TWR

 

100-150 nm for APP/DEP

 

300-600 nm for CTR

 

Note this is RADAR range; RADIO range is unaffected by these settings and determined solely on the altitude and distance between stations (ATC and aircraft).

 

 

'Elevated' Services:

ATC are not permitted to provide control services outside those approved for their classification. i.e. in the VATPAC division, a Student (1) is only permitted to fulfill the role of Delivery, Ground and Tower.

 

Students(1) are explicitly prohibited from providing 'extended' or pseudo coverage as Approach or Departure, even when these positions are not present. *

 

To provide Approach / Departure services, a user must have a rating of Senior Student or above.

 

*Unless in the presence of, and under direct instruction by VATPAC training staff.

 

 

Tower Duties:

Tower is a NON-RADAR environment. In the real world, Tower has the luxury of being able to look out the window to observe aircraft position.

 

While not possible at the moment, this ability is coming in the next version of VRC, but until then, this view is simulated (with far more accuracy) by the controllers ability to look at the radar display to determine the location of aircraft.

 

However the use of the radar screen does not change the roles of, or restrictions on a Tower controller. Towers do not provide TMA services, with the exception of Essendon, Canberra and Gold Coast where a limited amount of airspace is owned directly by the Tower.

 

While tower cannot control, tower can provide a traffic advisory service and sequencing information when aircraft are arriving to help them self separate.

 

 

Higher than Tower:

It is not too difficult to acquire the skills and knowledge to work higher positions; the key is to ensure a controller has a thorough grasp of all the basic requirements of ATC - basic phrasology, correct use of the ATC software, understanding of what they are clearing an aircraft to fly, etc. It is important time is dedicated to this at the start of a 'career' as a foundation for everything that will come.

 

Summary:

None of the items outlined here are new, and have in fact been in place for several years at a Division and / or Network level.

 

The rules governing the staffing of positions are created only when a real need is perceived, and as a last resort. These are placed to try and improve the environment for all, by ensuring ATC have the opportunity to learn the core functionality without unrealistic expectations on performance.

 

As always, if you have questions or seek further information or assistance, please contact [email protected]

 

Rob Hooley

VATPAC1