VATUSA Training Academy

Curriculum Outline

Overview of the ATC System
Duty and Operational Priority
Radio Communication
- Message Format
- ICAO Phonetic Letters
- Numbers Usage
- Aircraft Identification
Interphone Communications
- Override
- Intercom
Weather
- Reading a METAR
- Basic VFR Minimums
- Special VFR (SVFR) Minimums
Special/Emergency Beacon Codes
Airspace Classification

Overview of Clearance Delivery
Departure Procedures Explained
- Vectored
- Transition
- RNAV
Understanding Flightstrips
Altitude Assignments
- Altitude Basics
- NEODD-SWEVEN
- RVSM
- Lowest usable flight level
Acceptable Routing
- The make-up of a route
- Must comply with ARTCC local SOP
CRAFT Standards
- Phraseology
Pilot Readback Verification

Overview of Ground Operations
Movement and Non-movement Areas
- Ground may NOT approve pushback unless specified in local SOP
Gate-holds and Taxi Delays
Taxi Instructions
- Using correct taxiway names if applicable
Hold Short Instructions
- Confirms required readback
Departure Information
- Required Items
- "Have the Numbers" (defined)
Helicopter Operations at the Ground Position
Local Control Coordination
- Rundown of Departing Aircraft
- Coordination required to have an aircraft cross an active runway

Overview of Tower (Local) Control
Runway In Use
- Selection
- Calm Winds (defined)
- Local runway usage plans
Departure Release
Position and Hold
- Usage
- Phraseology
Takeoff Clearances
Cancellation of Takeoff Clearances
Landing Clearance
Go-around Procedures
- Reasons to issue a go-around
- Proper handling of a go-around
Departure and Arrival Separation
- Anticipated Separation
- Same Runway Separation
- Intersecting Runway Separation
- Wake Turbulence Separation
  - Aircraft
  - Phraseology
Closed Traffic
- "The Option" (defined)
  - Low Approach
  - Touch-and-Go
  - Stop-and-Go
  - Full Stop
  - Missed Approach (Go-around)
Runway Exiting Instructions
Helicopter Operations
- From Runway
- From Non-movement areas
Communications Transfer to Departure Control