id: 7.3-initial-theory-and-practical-tests title: 7.3 Initial Theory and Practical Tests meta: Information on the Initial Theory and Practical Tests to join IFATC. order: 3 #
7.3 Initial Theory and Practical Tests #
Candidates must{.red} ensure that they have an adequate amount of battery life on their device and a good/reliable internet connection
7.3.1 #
The minimum requirements for joining IFATC as well as the time limit for re-test if unsuccessful, are outlined on the IFC channel here.
7.3.2 #
Candidates are allowed to go through the full recruitment process as outlined within the IFC channel without any training if they wish to do so. However, The Training Team is available should{.red} they wish to utilize this resource. To ensure Candidates are committed to joining, training must not{.red} be provided until the trainee has passed The Initial Theory Test as a MINIMUM.
Returning members of IFATC are not required to complete The Initial Theory Test if they submit an application to join within 1 year of leaving IFATC
7.3.3 #
All Candidates seeking training are required to notify their Recruiter who will change their status on the website. A Trainer will be in contact within 7 days and all further correspondence will be through this individual.
7.3.4 #
All aircraft present at The Initial Practical Test must{.red} fly conservative patterns, and must not{.red} be bigger than a Boeing 757 (GA and fighter aircraft are also acceptable). The following table lists the items that are included in the Initial Practical test:
| Test Element | Proficiency Required* |
|---|---|
| Pushback | Correctly identifies if the area is clear for the aircraft to initiate a pushback maneuver |
| Taxi | Effective ground management, runway selection (usually based on wind) and use of give way commands if appropriate |
| Departure | Use of LUAW or anticipated separation if appropriate, use of left/right traffic for aircraft remaining in the pattern |
| Aircraft Separation{.red} | Ensures that separation minima is complied with at all times, i.e. Dep/Dep, Arr/Arr, Dep/Arr and Intersecting (see 3.1.1 above) |
| Runway Usage | Effective use of both runways, and facilitating requests for runway changes |
| Pattern | Effective pattern management including pattern entries (if required), sequencing (if required) and clearances |
| Transition | Transition given that keeps inbound aircraft within tower airspace and clear of aircraft in the pattern |
| Go-Around | Proactive monitoring of separation between arrivals and use of go-arounds when required |
| Runway Exit | Use of exit runway command with appropriate use of expedite (if required) |
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)