Below, you will find the information necessary to accomplish the following tasks:
1) Pass the VATUSA S1 ATC Exam.
2) Pass the ZNY Non-Major Local Test in order to obtain a promotion to S1 in order to control live traffic on VATSIM
Note: The VATUSA S1 Exam is required in order to control live traffic on the VATSIM Network. PLEASE take your time going through the training information. There is lots to learn and it will take time. Log onto the Network as an Observer and ask questions. Log onto the TeamSpeak server and ask questions if needed. IF you do not pass the VATUSA S1 Exam, there is a mandatory 14 day waiting period before you can retake the exam
The areas of concentration are as follows:
Basic Air Traffic Control Training
+ Duty priority and ATC principles
+ METARs and Weather
+ ATIS Information
+ Flight Strips and Flight Plans
+ National Airspace System (NAS)
+ Voice Communications
Clearance Delivery Training
+ How to issue a clearance (both IFR and VFR)
+ Departure Procedures (DPs)
Ground Training
+ Basic Ground Operations
+ Sequencing
Tower Training
+ Basic Tower operations
+ Coordination
+ Separation
+ Departure and Arrival Procedures
+ VFR operations
+ Helicopter operations
You will need the following material as additional sources of information:
+ FAA Order JO 7110.65S - Air Traffic Control Regulations (this is a VERY important document. Please save as a PDF locally for reference in the future)
+ VATUSA Real World Reference Materials (Link opens in new window)
+ METAR Manual
To learn the above concepts, follow the steps below:
1) Read the VATUSA Basic ATC Manual (Link opens in new window)
2) Read the VATUSA Ground Manual (Link opens in new window)
3) Read the VATUSA Tower Manual (Link opens in new window)
4) Log in to your Controller Panel and take the Level 1 Training Classes that are available to you.
Once you have passed the VATUSA S1 Exam, it's time to take the ZNY Non-Major Local Test.
To take the ZNY Non-Major Local Test, go to your controller panel and click on "Test Center." From there you will see "ZNY Non-Major Local Test", click on that. Click on "Tests and Surveys" and then you can click on the actual test ("ZNY Non-Major Local Test") to begin. The test is not timed and consists of 20 questions ranging from Clearance Delivery through Tower. Take your time. If you fail the test, it is re-assigned in 7 days.
If you pass the test, the instructing staff is automatically notified. Please allow up to 48 hours for the certification to go through. Remember, you must complete both the VATUSA S1 test, and our minor test before you will get your certification to work ZNY Minor Towers. If you want to work Local Control at your assigned Major facility, the training will continue, but in even more detail. If you are interested in Major facility training, go back to the ATC Training Center and click on the link for your assigned Major facility.
