VATUSA Training Policies
Examination Review
Academy Entrance Exam
Academy Final Exam
Senior Student Exam
Controller Exam
Senior Controller Exam
Instructor Exam
Academy Entrance Exam
Number of Questions: 20
Points per Question: 5
Minimum Grade Required: 80%
Elements Covered on Test:
- IFR Clearances
- Altitude Assignments and Requirements
- ATC Positions (DEL, GND, TWR, DEP, APP, CRT, & FSS) and what they do.
- National Airspace Classification
- Decoding a METAR
- Flight Plans and Flight Strips
- Radio and Interphone Communications
- ATIS Information
Notes: This exam is for new VATUSA members only and is to be administered solely by the Training Academy Staff. A passing score on this exam is required before the member is permitted enrollment into the ATC Academy. VATUSA members who do not wish to become ATC will not be assigned this exam.
Academy Final Exam
Number of Questions: 50
Points per Question: 3
Minimum Grade Required: 80%
Elements Covered on Test:
- All Basic ATC Elements from Academy Curriculum
- All Clearance Delivery Elements from Academy Curriculum
- All Ground Operation Elements from Academy Curriculum
- All Tower and VFR Operation Elements from Academy Curriculum
Notes: This exam is for Training Academy students only and may only be administered by the Academy Staff. Students must receive the recommendation from the Academy Faculty before being eligible to take this exam and a passing score is required before the VATUSA Training Department will approve the student's graduation and promotion to Senior Student. Students should refer to the curriculum outline or syllabus for details on each required element.
The Training Academy Administration has created a supplement guide to assist students in preparing for this exam. Students are asked to review this guide, located here, prior to taking the exam.
Senior Student Exam
Number of Questions: 25
Points per Question: 4
Minimum Grade Required: 80%
Elements Covered on Test:
- Transponder Operations
- Weather Componets
- Airspace Characteristics
- Basic Speed Control
- Airways
- Flight plans and Routes
- Basic Tower Operations
- Basic Ground Operations
- VFR Traffic Patterns
- Closed Traffic Operations
Notes: This exam is only for those members that hold an S1 rating who are/were not eligible for enrollment in the VATUSA Training Academy.
Controller Exam
Number of Questions: 25
Points per Question: 4
Minimum Grade Required: 80%
Elements Covered on Test:
- All DEL, GND, and TWR operations
- TRACON Operations (Departure & Approach)
- Radar Operations
- Aircraft Spacing
- Safety Alerts
- Vectoring Techniques
- All VFR Opeartions
- STAR and SID Information
- Airspace Details
Notes: This is the point where members take the step from the Student Level, to a real controller here at VATUSA. It is suggested that the member be proficient at Radar Operations before attempting this exam.
Senior Controller Exam
Number of Questions: 25
Points per Question: 4
Minimum Grade Required: 80%
Elements Covered on Test:
- All Basic ATC elements
- All Ground Operation Elements
- All Tower Control Elements
- All Departure and Approach Elements
- All Center and En-route Elements
Instructor Exam
Number of Questions: 30
Points per Question: 3
Minimum Grade Required: 80%
Elements Covered on Test:
- All Study Guide Elements
- Elements from the FAA 7110.65R
- Elements from the Aeronautical Information Manual
Notes: This exam is for VATUSA Senior Controllers who have the recommendation of the Air Traffic Manager or Training Administrator at their respective ARTCC to join the VATUSA Training Department as an Instructor. This exam may only be administered by the VATUSA Director of Training.