Training Procedure

New York ARTCC

Training Procedure

Rev. 21 — Revised: 2026-03-27

Expectations

• What shall the student expect from the Mentor/Instructor?
  • To come prepared to a training session or evaluation by reviewing all relevant SOP and CBT material prior to the session.
  • To represent the ARTCC in a professional manner at all times.
  • To monitor and assess progress of the student on a regular basis.
  • To evaluate efficiently and fairly.
  • To remain current on changes to facility policies, procedures, and SOPs.
• What shall the Mentor/Instructor expect from the student?
  • To come prepared to a training session or evaluation.
  • To represent the ARTCC in a professional manner at all times.
  • To self-study the required material and come to training sessions with questions.
  • To be courteous and accept critique at all times.
  • To self-evaluate.
• Remember that training staff members are controllers first and instructional staff second. This means that they use some of their time to practice this hobby and have fun. Do not privately message training staff members with requests for training, unless they have specifically requested it (for example, by posting spontaneous availability for training).

Controller Certification Levels

VATSIM Rating	ZNY Certification Levels	Highest Position at Tier 1 or 2 Facility (with appropriate endorsement)	Highest Position at Unrestricted Facility
S1	DEL/GND	Ground	Ground
S2	TWR	Tower	Tower
S3	TRACON	Approach	Approach
C1 (ZNY)	Center	All ZNY ARTCC
	Oceanic	All ZWY Oceanic
Misc.	TMC	All ZNY and ZWY and Controller-In-Charge Responsibilities

The controller profile pages display general ZNY Level Certifications and Facility Certifications

• In accordance with the VATSIM Global Controller Administration Policy (GCAP), the table above lists the current VATSIM ratings, the associated New York ARTCC certification level that can be achieved at each VATSIM rating, and the highest position that can be staffed for each rating and certification level.
• ZNY certification levels for each controller are indicated on the ARTCC Roster, and specific position certifications (e.g., Kennedy Approach, Newark Departure, LaGuardia Ground, etc.) can be found on the controller profile page (see the image to the right).

Standard Training Flow Chart

       Home Controller Flow
       [Show]

       Visiting Controller Flow
       [Show]

• The New York ARTCC Training Department recognizes that every student learns differently, and thus the Training Administrator reserves the right to tailor the processes described above to meet the specific learning needs of a particular student.

Computer-Based Training (CBT) Modules

• The New York ARTCC relies on the following sources of material to teach students the fundamentals of air traffic control and New York airspace procedures:
  • Documentation contained in our Publications Section
  • Computer-based training modules
  • Mentors and Instructors
• As you can see from the hierarchy above, after our Publications, CBTs are the next most important source of information to students. CBTs allow the New York ARTCC to keep training standardized and automated, which in turn results in a more expeditious training experience for our students. Many things that were historically taught by a Mentor or Instructor are now taught via the CBT, which decreases the amount of live training sessions required to teach the same topics.
• The Training Flow Chart indicates when computer-based training becomes visible to the student. When they become visible, these lessons are mandatory for the student to take, and progress will be tracked by the Training Department.
  • Prior to completing your facility Practice Clearances Exam or Local Control Scenarios, it is required that you have completed the CBTs up to, but not including, the next Certification Level. Example, if you have passed your ZNY S1 and VATUSA S1, you need to have completed all the CBTs up to, but not including, Level 2 before you take the Practice Clearances Exam. Also, it is required that you have covered all the required CBTs before you schedule any live training session with a Mentor or Instructor.
  • For topics that the computer-based training modules do not cover, Mentors and Instructors will teach during live training sessions on the New York ARTCC Teamspeak Server.

Location

The table below outlines the steps necessary to locate computer-based training modules on our website.

Step #1	On the New York ARTCC homepage, locate Unread CBTs on the side bar and click on the link.
Step #2	You are now on the CBT homepage. CBTs are categorized by Level. In the image to the right, the "Taken" column has been highlighted. This column indicates whether or not you have taken the CBT. If an "X" was located in the column instead of a check mark, this would mean you have not taken the CBT yet.

Interface

The computer-based training modules are designed using Google Slides. This interface allows us to give you the best training experience possible from a free network.

General Look	When you click on CBT from the menu located on the website, the CBT opens in a new window, and you are able to view the CBT.
Controls	Controls include arrows for progression, a drop-down menu for selecting slides, a button to expand to full-screen mode. Additionally, a button at the bottom closes the CBT window. When viewing CBTs, we highly suggest you do NOT use the arrows to progress forward, rather click anywhere within the slide to progress to the next slide.

Progression Quizzes

During the course of a CBT, you may encounter a progression quiz. These quizzes are NOT graded, but simply exist to test your knowledge on the material covered in the respective CBT. These quizzes are for your benefit, so take them seriously.

Question	The quiz is displayed. Click anywhere around the answer you believe to be correct.
Correct Answer	If you choose the correct answer, you will be directed to this page which may or may not contain further information about the question. Click anywhere to continue the CBT.
Incorrect Answer	If you choose the incorrect answer, you will be directed to this page. The CBT will not let you continue unless you answer the question correctly, so click anywhere to go back to the question and try a different answer.

Tracking & Student Files

• Our website offers the Training Department the ability to track numerous points of data in regards to student progression, including but not limited to:
  • Publication Tracking - We are able to see what documents students have viewed. Certain documents are required to have been viewed prior to training gates. Example:
    • For the Facility Practice Clearance Exam, the following publications are required to have been viewed:
      • Mandatory Briefing Items (pertinent to the facility/level)
      • Regulations and Policies
      • Training Procedure (This Publication)
      • Basic Control Procedures
      • VFR Operations
      • Major Facility SOPs
  • CBT Tracking - We are able to see what CBTs students have viewed.
  • Historical Test Scores - We are able to track historical test score trends.
  • Online Stats - We are able to see how much students are actively controlling.
  • Training File Entries - Every time a student has an interaction with a Mentor or Instructor, it is documented.
• The Training Department will use all these points of data in customizing lessons for each student.

Publication Tracking	Particular attention is paid to whether or not the student has viewed all Mandatory Briefing Items pertaining to his or her assigned facility.
CBT Tracking	All CBTs for the current Level MUST be completed prior to certain tests being assigned.
Historical Test Scores	Historical test score trends are used to assess training progress.
Online Stats	Online statistics are visible in each student's file, and the Training Department uses this data to assess progress.

Online Testing

The New York ARTCC Training Department utilizes an online testing platform that allows us to design tests using a number of different methods.

Each test will be assigned after certain training gates have been reached. See the Training Flow Chart for more information.

It is imperative that students take time to READ the instructions on our exams and have the correct material open when taking the exams. All ZNY tests are open book! That does not mean you can "phone a friend" (i.e. do not ask other students for help, as this will result in disciplinary action), but you can reference any other material (ZNY publications, VATUSA Academy material, the FAA 7110.65, etc.).

NOTE: Reading the exam instructions thoroughly can mean the difference between a passing and a failing score. Also make sure to READ the question as well. Look up each piece of information given in the question and ask yourself if it will affect the answer.

Each exam indicates the minimum score for passing. If a student fails an exam on the first attempt, the exam will be automatically reassigned after 72 hours (3 days). Students should use this time to re-review the relevant material to prepare for the second attempt. If a student fails an exam on a subsequent attempt, they are required to book and complete an Exam Review session with a Mentor or Instructor. The exam will be reassigned at the end of that session.

We ask that students do not post test questions publicly (for example, in Discord). If you believe there is a problem with a test question, each question includes a button to allow you to report an issue directly to the training staff.

Steps	Explanation
Step #1	On the New York ARTCC homepage, locate "New Tests" and click on the link.
Step #2	Available pending tests are displayed in the top section. Completed tests are displayed in the bottom section. Click on the test you would like to take or view.
Step #3	If you selected a test from the pending tests section, you will be taken to this screen which has instructions. Make sure to read the instructions thoroughly. Reading the instructions could mean the difference between a passing and a failing score. In the upper right-hand corner, you have the ability to jump to any question. In the bottom right-hand corner is the link to advance forward.
Multiple Choice Exam	The image to the right displays a typical multiple choice question. Select the correct answer to the left. You can navigate forward or backwards using the links at the bottom.

Booking Training

The primary way to book training sessions is through the Training page on the website. Training staff members may also post availability for training in the #spontaneous-training channel in Discord.

• When booking training, ensure that you choose the correct session type. Not all training staff members are certified to teach every type of session.
• Do not book a session (whether via the website or spontaneous availability) and then message the Mentor or Instructor to request a different time.
• DO NOT privately message members of the training staff to request a session.
• If you need to cancel a scheduled session, this should be done at least 24 hours before the start of the session.
• Students may have only one session scheduled at any given moment. If you have a scheduled session via the website, and then book another through spontaneous availabilty, you must cancel the first session.

Failure to follow these rules will result in the cancellation of the scheduled session. Repeated violations may lead to additional penalties, at the discretion of the Training Administrator.

We expect students to come prepared to each training session. Lack of preparedness on the part of the student is grounds for discontinuing a session. Preparation for each session should include, at minimum:

• Completing any assigned exams, and self-reviewing incorrect answers
• Completing any relevant CBT modules
• Familiarizing yourself with relevant training material, including NYARTCC procedures & MBIs, facility SOPs, and the FAA 7110.65
• Completing any assigned work from a previous session

In the event you have been waiting longer than one week for a training session, click the "I'm Waiting For This Session" button for that session type. You should continue to check for sessions after clicking this button; it does not guarantee a session or give you any priority. The purpose of this button is to give the training staff visibility into where there are bottlenecks in the training process.

Ratings and Endorsements

Prior to requesting training for a new rating, students must have completed the appropriate VATUSA Academy course and exam for that rating. (New controllers that have joined without an S1 rating will have already completed the S1 VATUSA exam as part of the process of joining ZNY.) Students will then be assigned a ZNY-specific exam for that rating.

Training sessions for new ratings or endorsements include both an oral assessment and a practical assessment. Except where otherwise noted, or at the discretion of the Training Administrator, practical assessments are conducted using Sweatbox sessions to simulate network traffic. The exact structure of training sessions will vary between staff members and will change depending on the student.

The issuance of a VATSIM rating entitles a controller to control any unrestricted (non-Tier 1 or Tier 2) facility in accordance with VATSIM Global Controller Administration Policy.

Issuance of a Tier 1 or Tier 2 endorsement allows a student to control a specific position at a particular facility (e.g., LGA Local).

S1 rating

Before booking training, new controllers seeking an S1 rating must have also passed the Practice Clearances exam for their assigned facility. Students should then book a "DEL/GND" session for their facility. These sessions will include orientation material (including software setup) as well as Sweatbox sessions. The S1 rating will be issued upon successful completion of a rating examination.

S2 rating

Students seeking an S2 rating should book "Intro to Local" sessions. Intro to Local (ITL) is a multi-part program designed to teach all the fundamentals of Local control.

Intro to Local sessions are conducted in the Sweatbox. The S2 rating will be issued upon successful completion of the ITL program.

S3 rating

Students seeking an S3 rating should book "Intro to TRACON" sessions. Intro to TRACON (ITT) is a multi-part program designed to teach the all the fundamentals of controlling in the TRACON environment.

Intro to TRACON sessions are conducted in the Sweatbox. At the conclusion of the ITT program, the student will be issued a solo certification, allowing them to control the ISP area of N90 on the live network.

The student should then book an S3 OTS session, to be conducted by an Instructor. The S3 rating will be granted by the Instructor upon successful completion of the rating examination.

C1 rating

Students seeking a C1 rating should book "Center" sessions. These sessions are primarily conducted in the Sweatbox with a Mentor or Instructor. At the conclusion of these sessions, the student will be issued a solo certification, allowing them to control part of NY Center on the live network.

The student should then schedule an rating examination session with an Instructor. This session will be conducted on the live network, with the Instructor monitoring the student, normally during a ZNY or Tier 1 neighbor ARTCC event, or during some other period with a sufficient mix and volume of traffic to allow proper evaluation.

Tier 1 (Major facility) and Tier 2 endorsements

Students holding the appropriate VATSIM rating may request training for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 endorsement for positions up to their controller rating. This process may include a facility- and position-specific written exam, and for Tier 1 endorsements, will include one or more training sessions in the Sweatbox with a training staff member.

Students should prepare for these sessions by reviewing the Facility Specific Training Criteria as well as the individual facility SOP.

Consolidation of Learning

After each new rating is completed, the student must consolidate what they have just learned by using those new skills to control traffic on the VATSIM network.

Consolidation of Learning is defined as an "appropriate" amount of time live controlling on the VATSIM network working with the new rating. In other words, it is the minimum amount of time between receiving a rating and being able to start training for the next. 50 hours is the minimum amount of time required before progression. We strongly encourage students not to rush this process; the experiences that happen when controlling "for real" can be different than those encountered in the Sweatbox during a training session, and honing one's skills at a given position will be a benefit when controlling top-down in the future.

Prerequisites for Advancement

• Along with demonstrating a firm grasp of the material and concepts required for each level and position, students must also meet the following:
  • Attitude Requirements
    • The student interacts appropriately and professionally with fellow controllers and staff members.
    • The student accepts criticism and is able to receive guidance from training staff members.
    • The student shows a willingness to learn and an interest in making themselves a better controller.
    • The student treats pilots with respect and handles pilot deviations in a calm manner.
  • Proficiency Requirements
    • The student demonstrates that he or she understands how the position interacts with adjacent sectors.
    • The student is accurate, functional, and efficient on the position certified for.
  • Threat & Error Management Requirements
    • The student uses the following TEM concepts to prevent fundamental errors from being consistently executed:
      • Actively assessing situations by scanning the scope.
      • Creating and balancing barriers to prevent errors.
      • Effectively communicating with both controllers and pilots via ALL communication methods, including text.
      • Following SOPs and ARTCC regulations designed in ensure standardization and predictability.

Remedial Training

• Students referred for remedial training by VATUSA will be assigned a training plan by the Training Administrator.

Solo Certification

The New York ARTCC Training Department allows for solo certifications to be issued in accordance with the VATUSA Division Training Policy (DP002), for the purpose of allowing controllers to get live network experience for a particular rating as part of the training process for that rating.

• All solo certifications are issued for a maximum of 45 days, and shall not be renewed. It is the student's responsibility to schedule a rating examination for the issuance of the rating prior to the expiration of the solo certification.
• S2-rated students who have completed the full Intro to TRACON program will be issued a solo certification allowing them to control the ISP area of N90 TRACON on the live network.
• S3-rated students who have completed the full training sequence for Center will be issued a solo certification allowing them to control New York Center on the live network.
• In the profile of each controller certified and in the "Who's Online" tab you will see a red "SOLO" certification. This indicates that the controller has received a solo validation. If you mouseover the certification, you will see an expiration date.
• Students with solo certifications may be scheduled to work the position during an official New York ARTCC event only at the discretion of the Events Coordinator, in consultation with the Training Administrator.

Transfers and Visitors

• Controllers that transfer or visit from another ARTCC or FIR often bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to ZNY; because of this fact, it is impossible to outline a specific flow that they must follow.
• The general procedure for transfers is as follows:
  • E-mail the Training Administrator and schedule a meeting in order to become familiar with the training program. This meeting will also allow the Training Administrator to gauge the controller's background and capabilities.
  • After assessing the transfer or visitor, the Training Administrator reserves the right to tailor the process described in the Training Flow Chart to meet the controllers' specific needs.
• Visitors:
  • The general flow for visiting controllers can be found at Training Flow Chart. This is subject to change on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Training Administrator.
  • The New York ARTCC will NOT train or award any VATSIM rating. This is the responsibility of the home ARTCC or FIR.
    • Additionally, the New York ARTCC will not do any sort of remedial training beyond facility-specific procedures, if the student requires it. This is the responsibility of the home ARTCC or FIR.
  • Training of visitors comes as a second priority to the Training Department. Our first priority is the New York ARTCC students.
    • If a significant delay is received in training, please e-mail the Training Administrator.

Training Feedback/Critique

• After each training session, students have the option of giving feedback/critique about their Mentor or Instructor. This can be done via:
  • You can go to Create a ticket. Select "Training" from the drop down menu.
• The New York ARTCC Training Department is dedicated to making improvements to the quality of training. In addition to comments about members of the training staff, we encourage you to give feedback and critique on anything else related to training.
  • This form is different from other categories in that it will only be viewed by the Training Administrator. Use this form for critique and suggestions specific to your training experience. Please take the time to complete this after each training session you have with a Mentor or Instructor. Your answers will be kept in complete confidence unless you grant the Training Administrator permission otherwise.