Draft:Training:S3 OTS Study Guide

Intro to TRACON Study Guide

Controlling in the Terminal environment requires a good understanding of your airspace, basic control procedures, and vectoring techniques. The content below should be used in addition to the training resources provided to you both from the ZNY Wiki and VATUSA Academy.

During the theory portion of your ITT you’ll be required to know the following, please note this is a general guideline and does not constitute everything you may be tested on.

• • All methods of radar identification, both primary and secondary.
  • Understand separation minima in class B, C, and D airspace between VFR-IFR, VFR-VFR, and IFR-IFR aircraft
  • Understand and explain the one-in/one-out rule and how it pertains to uncontrolled field operations. Be able to explain why this is used and how to properly clear IFR aircraft into and out of uncontrolled fields.
  • Understand and explain the differences between precision and non-precision approaches have examples ready.
  • Able to properly read an approach plate and explain what each symbol means and how to properly vector aircraft for approach.
  • Understand how to read arrival charts and explain how crossing restrictions work.
  • Able to articulate the difference between controlling IFR vs VFR aircraft.
  • Able to give hold clearances, both published and non-published holds. Understand the aircraft will need to be re-cleared to the original clearance limit when exiting hold.
  • Properly explain the difference between MVA, MIA, and MSA.
  • Understand and execute approach procedures IAW 7110.65 5-9-1 and 5-9-2.
  • Have a good understanding of when you’re able to use HILPT/PT, when it’s appropriate to use direct, and understand the difference between a depicted and non-depicted final approach course on the video map and how to properly vector aircraft based on the approach and your video map.
  • Able to explain the different types of visual approaches.
  • Understand wake turbulence separation between different aircraft types.

In addition to the competencies mentioned above, the student should have a good grasp of the VATUSA S3 academy content and it is highly recommended that the student review these materials before their session.

During the practical portion the student is expected to understand:

• • Neighboring facilities and the associated LOA’s within each facility that the student will interact with. You can find the map of the airspace around Allentown in the SOP under “Area at a glance”.
  • Fully understand your airspace boundaries both laterally and vertically, and how the 1.5 mile rule applies.
  • Have a good grasp on proper phraseology for PTAC’s, Initial Radar Identification and the process needed to properly clear aircraft or establish radar contact. You should be able to recite PTAC’s by heart by the time you reach the practical portion.
    • Know your headings beforehand, know what your downwind, base, turn to final headings are from both the north and the south side of the field.
    • Understand the information needed from aircraft when initiating radar contact. For example; altimeter, position, altitude. Student should be able to radar identify aircraft in a timely manner and all requirements met IAW the 7110.65.
  • Able to ensure positive separation between aircraft using headings and/or altitude. Student should be able to implement course divergence, altitude separation, and traffic calls in order to maintain safe distance from other aircraft.
    • Student should be able to make traffic calls without too much delay “Traffic 12 o clock, five miles, southwest bound, 737 at 4,000”
  • Understand how aircraft should be handled for VFR flight following.
  • Understanding when appropriate to give traffic calls versus safety alerts.
  • Have a basic understanding of how speed control affects spacing and how aircraft turn at different speeds. The student should be able to understand when to use speed control on final approach. A good understanding of compression on final is critical to ensuring proper spacing.
  • Ability to quickly vector, climb, and handoff departing aircraft as quickly and safely as possible, the goal is to keep aircraft climbing and handing off aircraft to the next controller when aircraft is free of conflict and no other commands are needed.

The guide above should not be taken as a carbon copy of what will be tested in the sweatbox, all material learned to this point should be properly understood before attempting an ITT session. Students should utilize some of the resources like OpenScope to familiarize themselves with the airspace and how aircraft perform.

• • VATUSA Academy Content (https://academy.vatusa.net/)
  • ZNY Level Specific Training Criteria (https://wiki.nyartcc.org/index.php?title=Level_Specific_Training_Criteria)
  • Derek Vento’s post on speed control (https://forums.vatusa.net/index.php?topic=8115.msg36566)
  • OpenScope (http://vzny.openscope.io/)
  • 7110.65 (https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/atc_html/)

Some of the common phraseology needed for ITT.

• • Uncontrolled field:
    • “DAL1, readback correct, hold for release, advise this frequency #1 for departure, frequency change approved.”
    • “DAL1, released for departure, clearance void if not off by 0015z, if not off by 0015z advise this frequency no later than 0020 zulu of intensions, time now 0005 zulu, frequency change approved.”
    • If the controller wishes to issue instructions entering controlled airspace the controller may. “DAL1 enter controlled airspace heading 090” then give the frequency change. Be aware of your MVA’s around the area and use this when operationally advantageous to properly separate traffic as the situation warrants.
    • “DAL1, report cancellation of IFR in the air, on the ground, or on missed approach this frequency. (No traffic/traffic observed between you and the field) Frequency change approved”
    • “Cancellation of IFR received (Radar services terminated).” (Terminate radar only if they are in the air, no need when they’re on the ground)
  • VFR Flight Following:
    • “N172SP, Allentown approach, Allentown altimeter 29.92, squawk 0301 and ident”
    • “N172SP, Radar contact, fifteen miles southeast of Allentown airport, say altitude”
  • Holds:
    • “JIA2105 cleared direct East Texas VOR, hold north of East Texas as published, expect further clearance in one five minutes”
    • “JIA2105 cleared direct Allentown VOR, hold northwest of Allentown on the 300 outbound radial, 2 minute legs, left/right hand turns at 5,000 expect further clearance in one five minutes”
  • PTAC:
    • When clearing direct to a fix, “Cleared direct JISTO, cross JISTO at 3000, cleared ILS Runway 6 approach. (Maintain 180 knots until SHAGY)” Speed control as necessary to ensure proper separation.
    • Turns to final, “7 Miles from SHAGY, turn left heading 090, maintain 2,400 until established on the localizer, cleared ILS runway 6 approach, (Maintain 180 knots till SHAGY)”
    • PTAC’s may be split, for example:
      • “Turn right heading 090 intercept the runway 6 localizer” then
      • “5 miles from SHAGY, cross SHAGY at 2,400, cleared ILS runway 6 approach, (Maintain 180 knots until SHAGY)”
  • Pop up IFR:
    • “EJA255 cleared to LaGuardia airport, via present position, direct Robinsville then as filed.”