Training Policy

POC: Facility Advisory Board	Date: 2008-07-27
Code: ZLA	Version: 1.54

1. PURPOSE.

This Policy establishes the required training of controllers who wish to plug into any control position within the Los Angeles ARTCC (ZLA).

2. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

The Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR) for this Policy is the ZLA Facility Advisory Board. This Policy was originally drafted by David Hendleman, ZLA Facility Chief on November 27, 2002, and approved by Dane Penington, VATUSA Western Regional Director. This Policy shall be maintained, revised, updated or cancelled by the ZLA Facility Advisory Board or any organization that supersedes, replaces or assumes the FAB responsibilities. Any suggestions for modification/amendment to this Policy should be sent to the FAB for review.

3. DISTRIBUTION.

This Policy is intended for use by controllers wishing to staff any control position in ZLA.

4. BACKGROUND.

Research has demonstrated that controllers need specific training and testing to insure that they are qualified to manage traffic in a safe and orderly manner.

5. REQUIREMENTS.

Becoming qualified to plug into control positions in ZLA is a multi-step process. Individuals wishing to plug into any control position in ZLA must take the following steps, in the following order, to insure adequate training:

1. Develop a good understanding of basic Air Traffic Control procedures:

(a) Thoroughly study the basic training materials located at www.vatusa.org/training.

(c) Study the courses located at www.vatusa.org/training, and take the associated quizzes.
(b) Study the 7110.65 located at www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/ATC/index.htm (PDF version also available at www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/air_traffic/publications/at_orders/media/ATC.pdf)

The 7110.65 is the “bible” for Air Traffic Control procedures, and should be used as a reference during your studies.

2. Take and pass the VATUSA Basic Exam located at www.vatusa.org/training.

3. Spend a significant amount of time observing and listening to experienced controllers while they work traffic here in ZLA. This is, by far, the best way to become familiar with phraseology, general, and local procedures.

4. Review the Qualifications Table located at www.laartcc.org/positions.

5. Review all ZLA Policies and Procedures located at www.laartcc.org/soploa.

6. Take and pass the ZLA Basic Exam, and Clearance Delivery Exam, with a score of at least 80%. The ZLA Basic Exam is administered automatically. The Clearance Delivery Exam is manually graded, and administered through the ZLA Exam Center. Should you have problems or questions regarding either exam, contact the ZLA Training Administrator.

7. E-mail the Air Traffic Manager at atm@laartcc.org to obtain operating initials.

8. Contact the ZLA Air Traffic Manager to be issued your ZLA Operating Initials.

9. Schedule on-the-job training sessions with ZLA Instructors and Qualified Mentors (see Training Request Forum). The Training Request Forum is the preferred place for students to request sessions; e-mailing/private messaging instructors/mentors to request training sessions is discouraged. Instructors/Mentors will always be happy to answer questions, whether via e-mail or on the scope if not too busy controlling, but it is preferred that session requests go through the forum so that the entire training staff can see the requests and ensure the most efficient treatment possible.

10. Plug into any position in ZLA for which you are qualified (based upon ZLA Qualifications Table), and for which you are checked off on the ZLA Privilege Roster.

For quality assurance, ZLA instructors will occasionally monitor active controllers' frequencies, and when required, brief the controller on what can be improved in order to advance or remain current on the positions he/she is certified for.