Below, you will find the information necessary to accomplish the following tasks:

1) Pass the ZNY S2 (TWR) Checkout.
2) Pass the VATUSA S2 (TWR) Exam.
3) Earn a promotion to S2 (TWR) in order to work at the Tower position at non-Major Facilities.

The areas of concentration are as follows:

+ Basic Tower operations
+ Coordination
+ Separation
+ Departure and Arrival Procedures
+ VFR operations
+ Helicopter operations

To learn the above concepts, follow the steps below:

1) Read the VATUSA Tower Training Page (Link opens in new window)
2) Log in to your Controller Panel and take the Flash Classes that apply to the Tower level (Classes 13x)

 

How to Advance to VATUSA S2 (TWR)

Proceed below only after understanding the material in Steps 1-2 above

Part I: Pass the ZNY S2 (TWR) Checkout

A Mentor/Instructor must assign you the ZNY S2 (TWR) Checkout, after verifying that you meet the requirements that will make you eligible for promotion. Eg. Online performance, meeting the rating competency requirements etc.

You MUST take the ZNY S2 (TWR) Checkout before attempting the VATUSA S2 (TWR) Exam. Take your time. If you fail the test, it is re-assigned in 7 days.

Part II: Operational Checkout Session (SweatBox Session)

After passing the ZNY S2 (TWR) Exam, you will need to request and pass a checkout session (called a "sweatbox session") demonstrating your ability to work air traffic as you would on the Network. You can request this session in one of two ways:

1) Post a request for the session in the Training Request Forum
2) Schedule a time to meet with an Instructor or Mentor for the session

BEFORE requesting this session, please set up your radar client to connect to the designated server by following the directions illustrated in this Forum post

Upon successful completion of the checkout, the VATUSA S2 Exam will be assigned within 24-48 hours.

Part III: Pass the VATUSA S2 (TWR) Examination

The VATUSA S2 Exam will be assigned within 24-48 hours of passing operational checkout. If you haven't completed the operational checkout, don't bother trying or asking for the VATUSA S2 (TWR) Exam. IF you do not pass the VATUSA S2 (TWR) Exam, there is a mandatory 7 day waiting period before you can retake the exam and it will be auto assigned.

After successfully passing the VATUSA S2 (TWR) Exam, an Instructor will process your promotion to VATUSA S2 (TWR) in 24-48 hours.

What This Means for You

Congratulations! You are now a CTO (Control Tower Operator) on the VATSIM Network!

By earning your promotion to Student 2 (TWR) you have earned the right to work as a Delivery, Ground, or Tower Controller at all non-Major Facilities at ZNY. The Major vs. non-Major facility list can be found in the ZNY Standard Operation Procedures.

What's Next?

Again, you have two options at this point...

1. Continue training at non-Major Facilities and become approved to work at the Departure/Approach level at non-Major Facilities by completing the steps outlined on the VATUSA S3 Training Page

2. Begin training at Major Facilities (EWR, JFK, LGA, and PHL). In order to accomplish certification to work at your assigned Major Facility, click on the appropriate facility and on the ATC Training Center