IVAO Belgium

Air Traffic Control is typically something you have to learn from practise. Of course, there is a lot of theoretical knowledge required, but only by exercising and doing it, you can really learn it.
Therefore you start as an observer watching, looking and listening. Meanwhile you read the documents and than comes the big first time moment you start to practise yourself. Quite often it is wise to ask for help and take some training with a trainer to help you out or participate in the on-line training sessions.

Note: This is and remains valid for every new controller's position you take.

Exam

As soon as you feel ready and have sufficient hours of practical training on-line, you may do the  next theoretical exam on-line.

This ACC exam is based on a multiple choice system where you have to answer a set number of questions within a limited time frame. Only after successful completing of this theoretical part you can apply for the ACC practical exam.

Make sure you are properly prepared instead of getting a “failed exam”.

What to expect?

This exam will be taken in the Brussels FIR. This means in principle the whole of the Belgium controlled airspace. Since ACC is responsible as well for those controlled aerodromes that have no active ATC, it may mean you have to control additionally several airfields in this FIR. Know them all and have all information (charts, quick-views, etc.) at hand available. Good knowledge of the local rules and in particular of the existing Letters of Agreement is a must.
The exam will bring several inbounds and outbounds in a mix to and from the local airfield(s), in addition to the regular overflights, which may need climb or descent. Hereby at least one emergency will occur. Show that now you are an all-round controller.

Tasks

The Area Controller handles all the traffic in the FIR if not controlled by another unit. He will  prepare the inbound sequence for the airfield(s), as well as climbing and descending outbound and en-route traffic and separate them, while they are entering or exiting his FIR and in between.He is experienced in the common practises of an area radar controller (vectoring, speed control, short-cuts, rates of climb and descent, holding procedures, route structure, etc.). The specifics of the total area are well known to him and he will smoothly guide all the pilots around.

Theoretical

Apart of what you know already from the previous ATC positions, your knowledge regarding centre tasks will be checked during the whole exam.

• Weather phenomena
• Perfect knowledge of all relevant separation issues
• Good knowledge of airspace structure including important fixes, route points, airways, etc.
• Knowledge of how to handle RVSM issues when required
• Knowledge of local agreements (LoA, etc.)

Practical

The practical exam will concentrate on the handling of a sufficient amount of traffic, properly mixed so as to show the full ability of all tasks for an area controller. Of the many known we only mention:

• Good coordination with adjacent ATC units
• Provide weather information to pilots, if necessary
• Emergency handling
• Fill-in flight strips
• Provide necessary separation
• Show good traffic management and priorities
• Provide short-cuts as convenient
• Sufficient phraseology and English proficiency

More detailed information about this exam requirements can be found at http://ivao.aero/training/
Attentively read this document as to be aware of what to expect !!

Additional notes

There is no limit regarding the number and density of traffic. Therefore, make sure you can
perform your ‘duties’ under heavy traffic and high work load. In the event of a lack of traffic, it’s the
examiner’s responsibility to reschedule the exam so that it’s performed in decent conditions.
Before and/or after the exam, the examiner may ask you theoretical question you should be able to
answer, even if none occurred during the exam itself. (e.g. explain wake-vortex requirements, explain how to get runway and ILS information for any airport, explain the importance of Minimum Descent Altitude and Decision Height, co-ordination between approach and departures, and any other information relevant to approach procedures).

Advice

• Make sure you have all the necessary charts available because you can’t pass without them.
• Make sure you go to the bathroom and eat properly before the exam. I would advice you to keep a bottle of water not too far away from you during the exam.
• If you feel uncertain of your capabilities, do not hesitate to request anyone of the training section on forehand. Staff members may give you a ‘check-ride’ and evaluate your ability to request the exam.
• Be aware that if the exam isn’t processed within 3 months after its initial request, it will be cancelled again!

References

The IVAO training website at http://ivao.aero/training/exam/briefing_guide.asp

The IVAO Academy website at http://academy.ivao.aero/

The Belgium Division website at http://be.ivao.aero/

Like any well trained air traffic controller: Be prepared!

Good luck.

Update 30/12/10