ATC Trainings / Exams / Ratings

ATC Training Rules and Regulation of IVAO Switzerland

RULES & REGULATIONS

ATC RULES AND REGULATIONS

The following document describes all atc rules and regulations within the Swiss Division. You can read the document below or click this link to download the document.

DIVSION TRANSFER

DIVISION TRANSFER

According to regulation M.3 a member may request a division transfer at any time, however all transfers are subject of approval by the members prospective division and the Membership Department.

Send the request to XX-hq@ivao.aero and YY-hq@ivao.aero with CC to members@ivao.aero (in only one E-Mail).
Replace XX by the 2-letter code of your current division (information only) YY by the 2-letter code of the target division (needs approval).
In the subject line include Division Transfer and your VID 123456 (replace 123456 by your id number).
In case you have a pending practical exam, please finish the exam first or request cancellation from the Training department.
Only one transfer is allowed per year (if you already had a transfer you can not request another transfer within 12 months)

In the case, that your division transfer was accepted, it is mandatory to do a familiarisation training before controlling any position.

RATING TRANSFER

Rating Transfer

IVAO offers the possibility to give a specific rating if the member is holding a real ATC Rating or a VATSIM ATC Rating.

Attention: The rating transfer is a voluntary service from IVAO to its members. The transfer can be rejected on an individual basis on request of the IVAO HQ Training Department, IVAO Executive or DIR/ADIR from the division where the member is from.

Requirements

In order to proceed to a rating transfer, the member has to fulfill these requirements:

Needs to possess a valid ATC given by a ICAO/FAA/FOCA standard, -or-
Be a member of VATSIM with a rating as shown below in the table
Successfully pass the Ivac or Ivap theoretical exam (which is mandatory)
Have the number of minimum hours on the network (see conversion table for minimum hours)
Show a good behavior according to the IVAO Rules and Regulations
The division HQ of the member supports the application. To do that, they have to know the member personally and seen him flying or staffing a position on the network

Conversion of ATC licenses

Real License	VATSIM	IVAO	Minimum hours
Aerodrome Controller	TMA Controller (S3)	ADC	25
Approach Controller	En route Controller (C1)	APC	40
Area Controller	Senior Controller (C3)	ACC	50

How to proceed for a rating transfer ?

Send a scanned copy of your license, all pages must be included without hiding details, -or-
Send a screenshot of your VATSIM profile page. Your name, your VID and the rating has to be clearly visible
Apply for the rating transfer at the division HQ (DIR/ADIR)
When the division HQ approves your demand, they will send your application to the TD/TAD
The HQ Training Department will have an interview with the applicant to check his abilities with the license that has been send
When the transfer is approved by the HQ Training Department, the rating will be given to the member according to the table

RATINGS

Ratings

Title	Minimum Hours	Theoretical Exam	Practical Exam	Briefing Guide	Remarks
ATC Applicant (AS1)	0	–	–	Not required	Rating given when registering with IVAO.
ATC Trainee (AS2)	10	–	–	Not required	Rating automatically achieved after completing the minimum hours. (Update at 12H00UTC)
Advanced ATC Trainee (AS3)	25	✓	–	Refer to the IVAO documentation	Theoretical exam in English
Aerodrome Controller (ADC)	50	✓	✓	ADC Briefing Guide	For members of active Divs only (R&R 4.6.2.1)
Approach Controller (APC)	100	✓	✓	APC Briefing Guide	For members of active Divs only (R&R 4.6.2.1)
Centre Controller (ACC)	200	✓	✓	ACC Briefing Guide	For members of active Divs only (R&R 4.6.2.1)
Senior Controller (SEC)	1000	✓	✓	SEC Briefing Guide	Applicant must hold the Senior Private Pilot Rating. For members of active divisions only (R&R 4.6.2.1) Additional requirements apply, please check the Briefing Guide.
Senior ATC Instructor (SAI)	–	Special rating for experienced HQ instructors and examiners. Will be issued by TD/TAD on an as-need basis.
Chief ATC Instructor (CAI)	–	Honorary rating. Is given to the Training Director and Training Assistant Director and retained after retirement.

FOLLOW-ME CAR

Follow-Me Cars

Follow-Me Cars (FMC) are only allowed on the airports Geneva (LSGG) and Zurich (LSZH).

Rules and Regulation

When using a Follow-Me Car the following rules have to be followed:

The TWR position must be manned at all time when an FMC is in use.
Double connections or TWR/GND connecting with Follow Me services too is not allowed and will be suspended for two days.
The FMC shall always be used in coordination with ATC and under his approval.
Speed Restrictions: runways max 60kt (100km/h), taxiways max 30kt (50km/h), and gate areas max 20kt (25km/h). The lights of the FMC must always be on.
Racing or anything that constitutes reckless operations of a vehicle, will result in a suspension for a minimum of seven days.
The FMC driver must have an ADC rating minimum.
He must be familiar with the airport procedures and adhere to the same rules and regulations for ATC procedures, where applicable.
The callsign of the FMC shall be the ICAO code of the airport followed by FMx. For Zurich: LSZHFM1
The FMC driver must be a member of the Swiss Division or must have a GCA Approval for Tower minimum.
Other land or water vehicles, e.g boats, ships, etc… are prohibited.

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What kind of trainings/exams do we offer?

AS1 - Delivery (DEL)

Training	Exam
AS1 – Delivery (DEL) As a beginner with your new AS1 (ATC Applicant) Rating, or any higher rating but for your first training in LSZH or LSGG, you need to learn the basics. On IVAO, every station overtakes the responsibility of all lower stations if they are not manned. Therefore, we follow a bottom-up training structure. Once you request the training, you will receive an email containing all the required documentation, including an e-learning video to help you setup your radar client and understand the basics. Practical objectives Connect to the network, fill out an ATIS, setup the frequency correctly Notify other controllers of his presence Assume, label, and handoff traffic correctly Prepare and give correct clearances in a reasonable amount of time Use the words STANDBY, CORRECTION, NEGATIVE, AFFIRM, SAY AGAIN properly Know when coordination is needed, and coordinate properly with other controllers Disconnect from the network properly, with coordination, handoff and notification of other controllers Theoretical subjects Topics specific to the airport, listed in the ATMM’s self-study list International Alphabet, Radiotelephony basics Basic IVAC functions, Teamspeak 2 basics, ATIS filling METAR decoding Clearance, instruction and readback Flight plan basics Documentation Check out all the available AS1-AS3 documentation: AS1 – AS3 Documentation	There is no practical exam for Delivery (DEL)

Training

Exam

AS1 – Delivery (DEL)

As a beginner with your new AS1 (ATC Applicant) Rating, or any higher rating but for your first training in LSZH or LSGG, you need to learn the basics. On IVAO, every station overtakes the responsibility of all lower stations if they are not manned. Therefore, we follow a bottom-up training structure. Once you request the training, you will receive an email containing all the required documentation, including an e-learning video to help you setup your radar client and understand the basics.

Practical objectives

Connect to the network, fill out an ATIS, setup the frequency correctly
Notify other controllers of his presence
Assume, label, and handoff traffic correctly
Prepare and give correct clearances in a reasonable amount of time
Use the words STANDBY, CORRECTION, NEGATIVE, AFFIRM, SAY AGAIN properly
Know when coordination is needed, and coordinate properly with other controllers
Disconnect from the network properly, with coordination, handoff and notification of other
controllers

Theoretical subjects

Topics specific to the airport, listed in the ATMM’s self-study list
International Alphabet, Radiotelephony basics
Basic IVAC functions, Teamspeak 2 basics, ATIS filling
METAR decoding
Clearance, instruction and readback
Flight plan basics

Documentation

Check out all the available AS1-AS3 documentation:
AS1 – AS3 Documentation

There is no practical exam for Delivery (DEL)

AS2 - Apron / Ground (GND)

Training	Exam
AS2 – Apron / Ground (GND) As soon as you have reached the AS2 rating, and have completed the AS1 training, you can request a training as an Apron / Ground controller. Practical objectives Give correct VFR taxi clearances, and perfect IFR clearances Flawless connection and disconnection process Give correct start-up and pushback clearances in a reasonable amount of time, including direction of pushback; prepare and give correct taxi clearances in a reasonable amount of time, taking into account other traffics on the airport and standard taxi routings Ensure a continuous roll of the aircraft on the ground (avoids them stopping) Assign correct gates to traffic Know in which case not to give a pushback or start-up clearance (more than 8 traffics at the holding point, or clearance not received, or squawk not set) Use the words HOLD POSITION and I CALL YOU BACK correctly Give a crossing clearance (on behalf of a TWR controller) Theoretical subjects Topics specific to the airport, listed in the ATMM’s self-study list Q Code Definition Aerodrome chart explanation IAC chart explanation SID chart explanation Documentation Please read through the documentation provided by IVAO.AERO to be ready for your training. AS1 – AS3 Documentation	There is no practical exam for Ground / Apron. (GND)

Training

Exam

AS2 – Apron / Ground (GND)

As soon as you have reached the AS2 rating, and have completed the AS1 training, you can request a training as an Apron / Ground controller.

Practical objectives

Give correct VFR taxi clearances, and perfect IFR clearances
Flawless connection and disconnection process
Give correct start-up and pushback clearances in a reasonable amount of time, including direction of pushback; prepare and give correct taxi clearances in a reasonable amount of time, taking into account other traffics on the airport and standard taxi routings
Ensure a continuous roll of the aircraft on the ground (avoids them stopping)
Assign correct gates to traffic
Know in which case not to give a pushback or start-up clearance (more than 8 traffics at the holding point, or clearance not received, or squawk not set)
Use the words HOLD POSITION and I CALL YOU BACK correctly
Give a crossing clearance (on behalf of a TWR controller)

Theoretical subjects

Topics specific to the airport, listed in the ATMM’s self-study list
Q Code Definition
Aerodrome chart explanation
IAC chart explanation
SID chart explanation

Documentation

Please read through the documentation provided by IVAO.AERO to be ready for your training.
AS1 – AS3 Documentation

There is no practical exam for Ground / Apron. (GND)

AS3 - Tower (TWR)

Training	Exam
AS3 – Tower (TWR) To get your AS3 rating, you must have 25h as controller and have completed your IVAC1 theoretical exam. Once you have the AS3 rating, you can request the corresponding training. Practical objectives Give perfect IFR clearances, push and start and taxi clearances Give correct take-off and landing clearances, with rounded wind information Know the IFR Departure and arrival separation minima Separate IFR arrivals on the ILS Handle VFR arrivals (entering CTR), departures (leaving CTR) and patterns Delay flying VFR aircraft Coordinate with APP, GND and DEL. Theoretical subjects Topics specific to the airport, listed in the ATMM’s self-study list Airspace structure, airspace classification VFR – Visual Flight Rules, aerodrome traffic pattern description, helicopter management Wake turbulence, wake turbulence separation minima TAF explanation, SIGMET explanation Runway construction Transponder use Documentation Check out all the available AS1-AS3 documentation here.	AS3 IVAC1 theoretical exam In ordert to request your AS3 exam you must have 25h as controller on the IVAO network. This is a theoretical multiple-choise exam depending on the IVAC1 manual which can either be found in your computers IVAP install-folder (usually to be found here: C:\Program Files (x86)\IVAO\IvAc\Manual) or on the IVAO online documentation.

Training

Exam

AS3 – Tower (TWR)

To get your AS3 rating, you must have 25h as controller and have completed your IVAC1 theoretical exam. Once you have the AS3 rating, you can request the corresponding training.

Practical objectives

Give perfect IFR clearances, push and start and taxi clearances
Give correct take-off and landing clearances, with rounded wind information
Know the IFR Departure and arrival separation minima
Separate IFR arrivals on the ILS
Handle VFR arrivals (entering CTR), departures (leaving CTR) and patterns
Delay flying VFR aircraft
Coordinate with APP, GND and DEL.

Theoretical subjects

Topics specific to the airport, listed in the ATMM’s self-study list
Airspace structure, airspace classification
VFR – Visual Flight Rules, aerodrome traffic pattern description, helicopter management
Wake turbulence, wake turbulence separation minima
TAF explanation, SIGMET explanation
Runway construction
Transponder use

Documentation

Check out all the available AS1-AS3 documentation here.

AS3 IVAC1 theoretical exam

In ordert to request your AS3 exam you must have 25h as controller on the IVAO network. This is a theoretical multiple-choise exam depending on the IVAC1 manual which can either be found in your computers IVAP install-folder (usually to be found here: C:\Program Files (x86)\IVAO\IvAc\Manual) or on the IVAO online documentation.

Aerodrome Controller (ADC)

Training	Exam
Aerodrome Controller (ADC) The ADC training is a preparation for the ADC exam, which takes place on the TWR position, with the applicant also responsible for DEL and GND stations. It includes all the topics from AS1-AS3. There is a minimum traffic requirement for the exam to be valid, including an emergency traffic. The training and exam consists of a theoretical part, where you have to answer questions specific to the airport and about the IVAO documentation, a practical part and a debriefing. Check the ADC exam briefing (also applicable for the training) for all the requirements, and the ADC documentation.	Aerodrome Controller (ADC) Required amount of hours Minimum 50 hours or as many hours of online time until Switzerland TC/TAC give their OK for the exam. Approved station LSZH_TWR LSGG_TWR Required adjacent ATC stations The adjacent APP-Station must be staffed Practical/theoretical requirements See Exam Briefing Guide Documentation Please read carefully the Exam Briefing Guide

Training

Exam

Aerodrome Controller (ADC)

The ADC training is a preparation for the ADC exam, which takes place on the TWR position, with the applicant also responsible for DEL and GND stations. It includes all the topics from AS1-AS3. There is a minimum traffic requirement for the exam to be valid, including an emergency traffic.

The training and exam consists of a theoretical part, where you have to answer questions specific to the airport and about the IVAO documentation, a practical part and a debriefing.

Check the ADC exam briefing (also applicable for the training) for all the requirements, and the ADC documentation.

Aerodrome Controller (ADC)

Required amount of hours

Minimum 50 hours or as many hours of online time until Switzerland TC/TAC give their OK for the exam.

Approved station

LSZH_TWR
LSGG_TWR

Required adjacent ATC stations

The adjacent APP-Station must be staffed

Practical/theoretical requirements

See Exam Briefing Guide

Documentation

Please read carefully the Exam Briefing Guide

Approach Controller INTRO (APC)

INTRO	APPROVAL for APP
Approach Controller Intro (APC) After having passed your ADC, or before controlling the other major airport, you have to request the APP intro training. It is an introduction to the Approach positions of LSGG or LSZH. Practical objectives Identify departing traffics properly Give efficient vectors to arriving traffic Assign altitudes in accordance with the MRVA and TMA limits Separate traffic Label aircraft correctly Be aware of and work within both horizontal and vertical limits of his Area of Responsibility Handoff traffic to CTR and TWR correctly and at the right point Coordinate with CTR, TWR and adjacent stations properly Theoretical subjects Topics specific to the airport, listed in the ATMM’s self-study list IFR separation with radar Approach and departure phraseology Holding procedures Expected Approach Time (EAT) IFR arrival and approach procedure IFR precision approach and minima STAR chart explanation Minimum Sector Altitude (MSA), minimum Vectoring Altitude (MVA) Check out all the available APC documentation here.	An introduction for approach controller is mandatory on each of the two major airports (LSZH and LSGG) before controlling it.

INTRO

APPROVAL for APP

Approach Controller Intro (APC)

After having passed your ADC, or before controlling the other major airport, you have to request the APP intro training. It is an introduction to the Approach positions of LSGG or LSZH.

Practical objectives

Identify departing traffics properly
Give efficient vectors to arriving traffic
Assign altitudes in accordance with the MRVA and TMA limits
Separate traffic
Label aircraft correctly
Be aware of and work within both horizontal and vertical limits of his Area of Responsibility
Handoff traffic to CTR and TWR correctly and at the right point
Coordinate with CTR, TWR and adjacent stations properly

Theoretical subjects

Topics specific to the airport, listed in the ATMM’s self-study list
IFR separation with radar
Approach and departure phraseology
Holding procedures
Expected Approach Time (EAT)
IFR arrival and approach procedure
IFR precision approach and minima
STAR chart explanation
Minimum Sector Altitude (MSA), minimum Vectoring Altitude (MVA)

Check out all the available APC documentation here.

An introduction for approach controller is mandatory on each of the two major airports (LSZH and LSGG) before controlling it.

Approach Controller (APC)

TRAINING	EXAM
Approach Controller (APC) The APC training is a preparation for the APC exam, which takes place on the airport’s main APP position. It includes all the topics from AS1-AS3, ADC and APC. There is a minimum traffic requirement for the exam to be valid, including at least one emergency traffic. The training and exam consists of a theoretical part, where you have to answer questions specific to the airport and about the IVAO documentation, a practical part and a debriefing. Check the APC exam briefing (also applicable for the training) for all the requirements, and the APC documentation.	Approach Controller (APC) Requirements Minimum 100h or as many hours of online time until Switzerland TC/TAC give their OK for the next attempt Theoretical Approach Controller Exam must be passed. Approved station LSZH_W_APP LSGG_APP Required adjacent ATC stations Adjacent Tower and Radar-positions must be staffed during the exam. Practical/theoretical requirements Please check the Exam Briefing Guide. Documentation Please read carefully the Exam Briefing Guide

TRAINING

EXAM

Approach Controller (APC)

The APC training is a preparation for the APC exam, which takes place on the airport’s main APP position. It includes all the topics from AS1-AS3, ADC and APC. There is a minimum traffic requirement for the exam to be valid, including at least one emergency traffic.

The training and exam consists of a theoretical part, where you have to answer questions specific to the airport and about the IVAO documentation, a practical part and a debriefing.

Check the APC exam briefing (also applicable for the training) for all the requirements, and the APC documentation.

Approach Controller (APC)

Requirements

Minimum 100h or as many hours of online time until Switzerland TC/TAC give their OK for the next attempt
Theoretical Approach Controller Exam must be passed.

Approved station

LSZH_W_APP
LSGG_APP

Required adjacent ATC stations

Adjacent Tower and Radar-positions must be staffed during the exam.

Practical/theoretical requirements

Please check the Exam Briefing Guide.

Documentation

Please read carefully the Exam Briefing Guide

Area Controller INTRO (ACC)

INTRO	APPROVAL for ACC
Area Controller Intro (ACC) After having passed your APC, or before controlling the other sector, you can request the ACC intro training. It is an introduction to the Approach positions of LSAG or LSAZ. Practical objectives Clear traffics for the correct STAR Coordinate properly with adjacent stations, be able to find information (runways in use, STARs of foreign airports, etc.) on his own if necessary Be aware of his Area of Responsibility and that of adjacent stations; transfer traffics at the correct point Be able to find and apply relevant LoAs efficiently Give correct route clearances and directs Use correct ACC phraseology (“descend FL… to be level at”, “cleared to … via …”, etc.) Have a good situational awareness of his airspace and the traffics in i Theoretical subjects Swiss Radar OM, LOAs for the corresponding sector Reduced vertical separation minimum – RVSM En-route phraseology CTR controller position Traffic management – area control level Minimum Off Route Altitudes (MORA) (APC documentation) Check out all the available ACC documentation here.	An introduction for Area controller is mandatory on each of the centers (LSAZ, LSAG and LSAS) before controlling it. Please note that, in order to open LSAS_LM1_CTR, you must have completed the training for both LSAG and LSAZ, and have 15h on both sectors. You must then request your approval to ch-training@ivao.aero.

INTRO

APPROVAL for ACC

Area Controller Intro (ACC)

After having passed your APC, or before controlling the other sector, you can request the ACC intro training. It is an introduction to the Approach positions of LSAG or LSAZ.

Practical objectives

Clear traffics for the correct STAR
Coordinate properly with adjacent stations, be able to find information (runways in use, STARs of foreign airports, etc.) on his own if necessary
Be aware of his Area of Responsibility and that of adjacent stations; transfer traffics at the correct point
Be able to find and apply relevant LoAs efficiently
Give correct route clearances and directs
Use correct ACC phraseology (“descend FL… to be level at”, “cleared to … via …”, etc.)
Have a good situational awareness of his airspace and the traffics in i

Theoretical subjects

Swiss Radar OM, LOAs for the corresponding sector
Reduced vertical separation minimum – RVSM
En-route phraseology
CTR controller position
Traffic management – area control level
Minimum Off Route Altitudes (MORA) (APC documentation)

Check out all the available ACC documentation here.

An introduction for Area controller is mandatory on each of the centers (LSAZ, LSAG and LSAS) before controlling it.

Please note that, in order to open LSAS_LM1_CTR, you must have completed the training for both LSAG and LSAZ, and have 15h on both sectors. You must then request your approval to ch-training@ivao.aero.

Area Centre Controller (ACC)

Training	Exam
Area Centre Controller (ACC) The ACC training is a preparation for the ACC exam, which takes place on either LSAG_INS_CTR or LSAZ_S_CTR, with one approach sector under control of the applicant. It includes all the topics from AS1-AS3, ADC, APC and ACC. There is a minimum traffic requirement for the exam to be valid, including at least one emergency traffic. The training and exam consists of a theoretical part, where you have to answer questions specific to the airport and about the IVAO documentation, a practical part and a debriefing. Check the ACC exam briefing (also applicable for the training) for all the requirements, and the ACC documentation.	Area Centre Controller (ACC) Requirements Minimum 200h or as many hours of online time until Switzerland TC/TAC give their OK for the next attempt Theoretical Area Controller Exam must be passed. Approved station Swiss Radar – LSAG/LSAZ ACC Required adjacent ATC stations TWR/APP must be staffed Practical/theoretical requirements Please read the Exam Briefing Guide Documentation Please read carefully the Exam Briefing Guide

Training

Exam

Area Centre Controller (ACC)

The ACC training is a preparation for the ACC exam, which takes place on either LSAG_INS_CTR or LSAZ_S_CTR, with one approach sector under control of the applicant. It includes all the topics from AS1-AS3, ADC, APC and ACC. There is a minimum traffic requirement for the exam to be valid, including at least one emergency traffic.

The training and exam consists of a theoretical part, where you have to answer questions specific to the airport and about the IVAO documentation, a practical part and a debriefing.

Check the ACC exam briefing (also applicable for the training) for all the requirements, and the ACC documentation.

Area Centre Controller (ACC)

Requirements

Minimum 200h or as many hours of online time until Switzerland TC/TAC give their OK for the next attempt
Theoretical Area Controller Exam must be passed.

Approved station

Swiss Radar – LSAG/LSAZ ACC

Required adjacent ATC stations

TWR/APP must be staffed

Practical/theoretical requirements

Please read the Exam Briefing Guide

Documentation

Please read carefully the Exam Briefing Guide

Flight Information Services INTRO (FSS)

INTRO	APPROVAL FOR FSS
Flight Information Services (FSS) When you have your ADC rating, you will be able to request an FSS intro, in order to be approved to control Swiss Information (LSAS_FSS). Swiss Information provides flight information service to VFR flights. Practical objectives Give correct information to pilots about other traffic, weather, runways in use, etc. Coordinate properly with other stations Theoretical subjects FSS controller position	An introduction for Flight Information Services (FSS) is mandatory before controlling it.

INTRO

APPROVAL FOR FSS

Flight Information Services (FSS)

When you have your ADC rating, you will be able to request an FSS intro, in order to be approved to control Swiss Information (LSAS_FSS). Swiss Information provides flight information service to VFR flights.

Practical objectives

Give correct information to pilots about other traffic, weather, runways in use, etc.
Coordinate properly with other stations

Theoretical subjects

FSS controller position

An introduction for Flight Information Services (FSS) is mandatory before controlling it.

Custom training