1. PURPOSE:

This Practical Test Standard (PTS) outlines the areas of knowledge to be demonstrated by controllers applying for privileges to operate Tower positions within ZLA ARTCC Class B or Class C surface areas 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 Tower 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 Tower positions within ZLA ARTCC Class B or Class C surface areas will be required to understand and employ.

5. EXAM PROCEDURE:

The Exam shall be conducted at Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX) while the Student works the Tower position (LAX_TWR).  The student shall be logged onto the VATSIM network under the call sign LAX_(V)S_TWR.  The Instructor shall log onto the VATSIM network under the call sign LAX_(V)I_TWR 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 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 BOTH of 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.

If either one or both of the above are less than 80%, then the OTS will be considered a failure and additional training will be required prior to being allowed a re-test.

6. EXAM SUBJECTS:

Student Name:		CID			Date:
Item #	Standard	P	O	AQ	Remarks
General
1	Demonstrates SOP/Policy Knowledge and Adhereance
2	Demonstrates proper use of Radio Frequency IAW applicable SOP
3	Controller ATIS IAW SOP ZLA-003
4	Sector File Usage IAW General Requirements Policy
Clearance Delivery-VFR
5	Understands use of S-VFR when Wx is Below Basic VFR Minimums Where Permitted (Visibility of 1 SM or greater)
6	Demonstrates knowledge of Basic VFR Wx Minimums (Ceiling - 1000 Ft Visibility - 3 SM)
7	Uses proper phraseology
8	Understands coordination with SOCAL for all Jets/Fast Props prior to departure
9	Understands coordination with SOCAL for all Class B Flight following Requests
10	Issues appropriate departure instructions based on intended route of flgiht
Clearance Delivery-IFR (5 aircraft minimum)
11	Properly reviews Flight Plan
12	Reviews requested FL/ALT (Dir of Flt Rules/MEA compliance)
13	Reviews route of Flight (Complies with Local SOP's/LOA's or TEC routes)
14	Conveys all flight plan amendments to pilot
15	Properly amended (ASRC users)
16	Changes are passed along to next controller (PC users)
17	Clearance Issued using CRAFT Standards
18	Transponder Code assignment IAW Beacon Code Allocation Table
19	Proper Readback Received (If not, one is Requested) and confirmed
Ground Control (10 aircraft operations minimum)
20	Departures receive proper Terminal Information
21	Demonstrates proper handling for aircraft requesting "Start-Up and Push-back"
22	Departures assigned proper Runway IAW ZLA-204
23	Demonstrates knowledge of Ground Controllers area of responsibility (Taxiways/Movement Areas)
24	Uses proper taxi phraseology
25	Understands coodination required between Ground and Tower for all Runway crossings
26	Demonstrates understanding of Runway assignment during busy periods
27	Arrivals are taxied to the appropriate parking assignment using taxiway instructions
28	Demonstrates knowledge of Taxiway layout
Item #	Standard	P	O	EQ	Remarks
Tower Control (10 aircraft operations minimum)
29	Demonstrates thorough knowledge of the use of "Position and Hold" procedures.
30	Demonstrates knowledge of appropriate departure Separation techniques
31	Domonstrates knowledge of proper rundown procedures IAW SOP ZLA-203
32	Understands coordination for Oceanic/Mexican Departures
33	Demonstrates proper take-off Clearance
34	Demonstrates knowledge for the application of wake turbulence warnings where applicable
35	Ensures Aircraft have proper transponder setting prior to releasing aircraft to Departure
36	Understands coordination with SOCAL for VFR aircraft requesting flight following
37	Understands coordination with SOCAL for VFR Jet/turbo-prop aircraft
38	Understands Rolling/Boundary procedures
39	Understands IFR Release requirements for other SOCAL area airports
40	Understands IFR Release requirements for airports outside of SOCAL
41	Issues proper Landing Clearance (wind check)
42	Understands components of the traffic pattern
43	Demonstrates proper tagging of aircraft for Voice/Text/Receive Only (ASRC Users)
44	Demonstrates proper use of scratch pad codes (ASRC Users)
45	Understands proper handling of Missed Approaches/Go-Arounds
46	Understands the proper use of the phrase "Cleared for the Option"