PTS-003 VATSIM
Los Angeles ARTCC		 ZLA
Subject: ZLA Practical Test Standards - Center Version 1.0
POC: ZLA Chief Instructor Comments 12/17/2002

1. PURPOSE:

This Practical Test Standard (PTS) outlines the areas of knowledge to be demonstrated by controllers applying for privileges to operate Center positions within ZLA ARTCC during examination by a Staff Instructor. The exam will be required and conducted in accordance with the ZLA Qualification Table as well as for those requiring a recertification exam at the Approach Position. These standards will allow controllers to prepare for the “over-the-shoulder” (OTS) exam, and will provide a basis for the exam session for the instructor.

2. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This PTS shall be maintained, revised, updated or cancelled by the Chief Instructor on behalf of the ARTCC Chief and shall be in effect unless there is a conflict with the VATUSA/VATSIM policies in which case they shall supercede these testing standards.

3. DISTRIBUTION:

This PTS is applicable to instructors examining ZLA controllers and may be used by any ZLA member in preparation for an OTS.

4. BACKGROUND:

"Over-the-shoulder" tests (OTS) are a useful tool for assessing controller skill. The use of OTS exams will be incorporated into the Center Training Program. To insure consistent exams are given by instructors, standards shall be developed for all OTS exams. This PTS will list all knowledge areas that controllers operating Approach positions within ZLA ARTCC will be required to understand and employ.

5. EXAM PROCEDURE:

The Exam shall be conducted in the Los Angeles Center (combined) (LAX_CTR).  The student shall be logged onto the VATSIM network under the call sign LAX_(V)S_CTR.  The Instructor shall log onto the VATSIM network under the call sign LAX_(V)I_CTR as long as the OTS is in progress, and shall not simultaneously work another position in order to assure full attention is paid to the exam.  Instructors shall print a copy of the PTS in order to facilitate complete and accurate scoring.  All items are to be tested by either direct observation during the completion of a task, or if traffic does not permit completion of an item, the Instructor will ask a question pertaining to that task.  Instructors will mark a Check Mark (√ ) in either the Practical or Oral column for each item completed/answered correctly.  For each incorrectly performed/answered item, an X will be placed in the applicable column and a description of the error annotated in the remarks column for that item.  Items marked as (ASRC Users) may be marked with "N/A" if the student is using ProController.   A maximum of 20 additional questions may be asked (1 per item) of the listed items to ensure that the student is knowledgeable in the subject areas.  Additional Questions shall be marked under the Additional Questions (AQ) column in the same way as for the Practical/Oral columns.

A student will have successfully completed the OTS if ALL the following conditions are met:

  1. 80% or more of the listed items are completed correctly by either practical or oral exam.

  2. 80% or more of the additional questions are correctly answered.

  3. All Critical Tasks are successfully completed

If either score above is less than 80%, or if any of the Critical Tasks are failed, then the OTS will be considered a failure and additional training will be required prior to being allowed a re-test.

6. EXAM SUBJECTS:
 

P=Practical, O=Oral, AQ=Additional Questions, Bold Red Text=Critical Task
Item # Standard P  O  AQ Remarks
General
1 Demonstrates SOP/Policy Knowledge and Adherence        
2 Demonstrates knowledge of proper Radio Frequency usage IAW applicable SOP        
3 Controller ATIS IAW SOP ZLA-003        
4 Sector File Usage IAW General Requirements Policy        
5 Demonstrates understanding of speed restriction minima as outlined in 7110.65 (5-7-3)        
6 Demonstrates understanding of Holding Instructions IAW 7110.65 (4-6-4)        
7 Demonstrates understanding of Radar Identification techniques IAW 7110.65 (Chapter 5 Section 3)        
8 Demonstrates/Understands application of traffic advisories when needed        
9 Demonstrates/Understands all applicable LOA's and how they relate to intra-ARTCC Traffic        
10 Understands use of Scratch Pad abbreviations (ASRC Users)        
11 Understands use of the temporary altitude block (ASRC Users)        
12 Demonstrates proficiency in amending flight plans (ASRC Users)        
Airspace Knowledge
13 Understands Airspace Lateral Boundaries        
14 Understands Airspace Vertical Boundaries        
15 Understands MVA's/MEA's of Airspace        
16 Understands/Demonstrates knowledge of Restricted Airspace        
17 Demonstrates knowledge of Nav-Aids within Airspace        
18 Identifies Nav-Aid names by 3 letter ID        
19 Identifies Frequency for a given Nav-Aid        
20 Identifies 3 letter ID for a given Nav-Aid Name        
Airport Knowledge
21 Demonstrates knowledge of Airports within the ARTCC        
22 Identifies Airport Names from ICAO ID        
23 Identifies Runways available        
24 Identifies Approach procedures available        
25 Demonstrates ability to choose an appropriate Rwy in use based on current Wx        
Separation Knowledge (7110.65 Chapter 5 Section 5)
26 Understands and applies appropriate vertical/lateral separation standards to aircraft/terrain/obstacles        
27 Understands/Maintains appropriate enroute IFR separation for outbound traffic        
28 Understands/Maintains appropriate enroute IFR separation for inbound traffic        
Item # Standard P  O  AQ Remarks
Departures (7110.65 Chapter 4 Section 3)
29 Controller ID's himself upon initial contact.        
30 Departures are properly released using acceptable release methods.          
31 Demonstrates/Understands release authorization to appropriate Local Control        
32 Demonstrates/Understands procedures for IFR release from uncontrolled airfields        
33 Demonstrates/Understands procedures for verifying aircraft altitude information        
34 Departures airspace around uncontrolled airports is protected until radar contact is established        
35 Understands vectoring departures/missed approaches below MVA requirements IAW 7110.65 5-6-3        
36 Understands DP's and Obstacle Clearance departures within airspace and applies them to conform to established SOP's        
Arrivals (7110.65 Chapter 4 Section 7)
37 Understands/Demonstrates knowledge of arrival gates for major airports        
38 Understands/Demonstrates knowledge of arrival gate crossing restrictions        
39 Understands/Demonstrates knowledge of appropriate Hand-off Points with Approach        
40 Understands/Demonstrates knowledge of Applicable Terminal Arrival procedures        
Approach Clearances (7110.65 Chapter 4 Section 8)
41 Demonstrates/Understands working knowledge of 7110.65 Chapter 4 Section 8 (Approach Clearance Procedures)        
42 Demonstrates/Understands proper phraseology for instrument approaches.        
43 Demonstrates/Understands working knowledge of 7110.65 Chapter 5 Section 6 (Radar Vectoring)        
44 Demonstrates/Understands proper phraseology for Instrument approach clearances for vectored aircraft (PTAC)