id: 7.4-radar-theory-and-practical-tests title: 7.4 Radar Theory and Practical Tests meta: Information on the Radar Theory and Practical Tests for promotion to Officer in IFATC. order: 4 auth: ifatc #
7.4 Radar Theory and Practical Tests #
Controllers must{.red} ensure that they have an adequate amount of battery life on their device and a good/reliable internet connection
7.4.1 #
The minimum requirements for becoming an Officer and subsequently controlling radar facilities is outlined within the rank structure (see 1A.6.4 above). Controllers that wish to upgrade must{.red} contact a Recruiter (Controllers must{.red} ensure they meet the minimum requirements BEFORE APPLYING); in addition, they must{.red} have demonstrated a high level of competency in the following areas:
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Knowledge of this manual in its entirety, complying fully where instructed (i.e. use of must{.red}/must not{.red})
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Able to manage a high level of traffic on both Ground and Tower frequencies, simultaneously
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Controlling at large Bravo or “hub” airports
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Controlling during busy periods such as FNF, weekends and flashflights
7.4.2 #
All training is considered optional with the exception of Radar Training – Controllers that wish to upgrade to Radar must{.red} have training, and meet the standards required (see 7.4.4 below) BEFORE The Radar Practical Test.
7.4.3 #
The Recruiter will conduct a review on the performance of the Controller that has requested Radar Training, Supervisors may be polled if further details are required. The requirements laid out within this section (see 7.4.1 above) will assist the Recruiter (and Supervisors if required) in gauging the Controller’s competency and suitability for the role. If the review is deemed successful, the Controller will be placed in the “Training Pool” ready for Trainer allocation. If the Controller is considered not to be ready, a set waiting period (minimum of 30 days) will be assigned where the Controller must{.red} endeavor to address the feedback given. Subsequent reviews will continue until there is no doubt that they are ready for the position.
7.4.4 #
Following a successful review, a Trainer will be assigned who will contact the Controller and commence Radar Training (training for the position of Radar is mandatory). At an appropriate point during training, as decided by the Trainer; a Recruiter will issue the The Radar Theory Test (and debrief as appropriate on the result) BEFORE commencement of The Radar Practical Test. The Radar Practical Test will be organized at the Trainer’s discretion however a Recruiter will be required for the official test (see 7.1.1 above). Controlling on the Training Server is only authorized for Controllers that have met the requirements for upgrade to the rank of Officer (see 1A.6.4 above), and have STARTED their Radar Training with a Trainer.
7.4.5 #
Whilst under Training, Controllers may wish to seek fellow Controllers to fly radar patterns on the IFATC Server for extra practice if the Trainer is not available. Provided the Controller has the Trainer’s permission, the use of the Discord #training-time[1-3] channels is authorized to try and find Controllers that are free (Controllers must{.red} only use a channel that is currently not in use for a training session).
7.4.6 #
All aircraft present at The Radar Practical Test must{.red} fly in accordance with the radar service being provided; in addition, any aircraft type can be selected but it must{.red} be deemed suitable to meet the training objective. The following table lists the items that are included in the Radar Practical test:
| Test Element | Proficiency Required* |
|---|---|
| Terrain Separation{.red} | Ensures that a minimum of 1000ft clearance is maintained with terrain at all times |
| Aircraft Separation{.red} | Ensures that a minimum of 3nm separation laterally or 1000ft separation vertically is maintained at all times |
| Time Management | Consistently provides an expeditious approach to all aircraft under radar control, minimal vectoring to get aircraft in the correct area for an approach and combined commands (altitude and heading) where appropriate |
| Approach Type | Able to deliver all types of service as outlined within this manual, and in particular, consistent timing and the correct technique (below the G/S) for the intercept heading of the ILS/GPS Approach |
| Go-Around | Correct use of missed-approach command and subsequent vectoring. Proactive monitoring and use of go-around if aircraft set up incorrectly for the type of approach they are flying |
Automatic Failure: if proficiency is not met for elements marked in red, the test is automatically failed.{.red}
*The recruiter has the final say on the result of the test (see 7.1.1 above)
7.4.7 #
Controllers that are successful in The Radar Practical Test will be promoted and placed in the Officer Check Ride phase (see 1A.7.8 above).
7.4.8 #
A summary of the process for becoming an Officer is contained within the following flow chart:
