¶ Getting trained
¶ How do I become a virtual air traffic controller?
You're passionate about aviation, your dream is to become an air traffic controller, or you'd like to switch to the other side of the mic after many hours of flying ... All is well! You've come to the right place to start your virtual air traffic controller career on VATSIM.
Head to https://learn.vatsim.fr/, where you'll have access to a training module called Ab-initio.
The first part of the course is to be completed independently, with a theoretical foundation to validate. Once this theoretical foundation is validated, you'll be able to join the waiting list to begin your S1 training, i.e. the training path that lets you start your virtual air traffic controller career on Clearance Delivery (_DEL) and Ground (_GND) positions.
The waiting list for requesting training works on a first come, first served basis. The ATC Department contacts students at regular intervals to open up training phases.
While waiting to be contacted, we strongly recommend candidates carry out observation sessions on the network (OBS).
An installation tutorial needed to provide ATC service as well as a guide to observing on Euroscope, are also available.
Please also note that this is a long training program delivered by volunteer mentors. In addition, a certain level of commitment on your part is expected throughout the course to ensure it runs smoothly.
¶ Do you control on IVAO or are you a real-world Air Traffic Controller?
There is a so-called "fast-track" procedure, available to those holding an air traffic controller license.
This procedure is also available to those controlling on IVAO who hold the rank of APC or ACC.
This procedure allows candidates to apply for an S2 (Tower) or S3 (Approach) rating.
This is not an automatic or instant equivalence. This procedure is not intended to train controllers: it focuses on a brief introduction to the tools and a check of existing knowledge.
If you'd like to proceed with a fast-track or are looking for more information, simply open a /support ticket on our Discord.
¶ If you are already a controller
¶ How do I become a visiting controller?
Are you already an air traffic controller on VATSIM, a member of another vACC, and would like to occasionally control in France?
This is possible if you hold at least an S3 rating. Before submitting your request, make sure you meet the requirements of the VATSIM Transfer and Visiting Controller Policy (TVCP).
If that's the case, we look forward to your request here: https://core.vateud.net/my/visiting . State your motivation for controlling with French vACC and which platforms you wish to control on. Note that Tier1 and Tier2 platforms are also accessible to visitors, but only at a later stage.
Once your request is approved, you'll gain access to a Visiting training module on https://learn.vatsim.fr/. This module is delivered in English and provides you with everything you need to control in France on the network. Speaking French is of course not mandatory, but is an asset.
The waiting list is long. Thank you for your patience.
¶ Ressources
¶ What are the ATC ratings and what do they correspond to?
Controller ratings are organized as follows, in chronological training order:
S1: Clearance Delivery-Ground controller / Tower trainee
S2: Tower controller / Approach trainee
S3: Approach controller / En-route trainee
C1: En-route controller
C3: "senior" En-route controller
The other controller ratings are administrative ratings.
Where can I find training documents?
You're in the right place: this website is the vACC's documentation hub! You'll find documents dedicated to controllers, as well as to pilots.
Browse our full documentation via the navigation bar on the left.
A section is dedicated to already-trained ATCs currently on the roster.
¶ What are French vACC's control tools?
Our controllers use Euroscope to provide air traffic control service on VATSIM.
For an experience as close to reality as possible, French vACC has also developed CoFrance, a plugin that installs alongside Euroscope.
To find out how to install these tools and connect as an observer on the network, check out the dedicated pages:
Installing the Controller pack¶ How does the training work?
Here's a summary diagram explaining how the training works: