Course aim

This course gives students the knowledge and skills they need to work as Air Traffic Controllers in an Approach Control Surveillance environment. Additionally, they develop a further and more specific understanding of the complete Air Traffic Management system.

This course can either be part of students’ Initial Training or a further Rating Training for active Air Traffic Controllers. Students who pass the course may apply for an APS Student ATCO License. The rating endorsements SRA, PAR, and TCL are not included but can be added as additional courses.

After completion of this course, the students:

• Have the necessary skills to perform Approach Control Radar Service in an approach control environment safely, expeditiously, and orderly, as well as according to rules and regulations.
• Have knowledge of the importance of teamwork and of human factors-related matters that can affect personal and team performance.

Course structure

The standard course takes approximately 12 weeks. We offer several add-ons that allow the students more time to focus on consolidating their skills.

Theoretical training
We deliver the theoretical part of the course through a blend of classroom training, group work, and discussions. Throughout the course, eLearning elements allow a flexible learning environment as students participate in these lessons online.

Simulator training
We conduct the practical simulator training in a generic airspace. In the first step of simulator training, the students practice individual skills to prepare themselves for exercises in a TMA. Examples of these skills are: techniques concerning right and left turns, speed control when sequencing traffic inbound, and the skill of feeding aircraft in and out of a holding.

In the second step of simulator training, the students practice their skills in exercises where we gradually introduce more traffic, new elements (like unusual and emergency events), and more complex situations.

Content in brief

The course covers topics such as, but not limited to:

• Rules and methods for radar vectoring, sequencing, separations, phraseology, and co-ordinations used in an approach service.
• Rules and methods for handling VFR flights.
• Rules and methods for change of runway.
• Rules and methods using only primary radar.
• Rules and methods for handling of transponder failure, communication failure, ACAS, special weather phenomena, and LVP.
• Methods and handling of arriving, departing and overflying traffic in a correct, safe and orderly way.
• Approach methods, for example: ILS, NDB, SRE, VA.
• Correct methods for the sequencing of traffic.
• Unusual and/or emergency situations.

Prerequisites

• Completion of our Basic ATC course or equivalent.
• English language skills at ICAO level 4 or higher.

Compliance with regulations

• The course is compliant with Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/340.
• The course is approved by the Swedish National Supervisory Authority.
• Entry Point North is certified as a training organization by the Swedish National Supervisory Authority.