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Ratings and Training

On VATSIM, controllers progress through ratings, qualifications that unlock increasingly complex positions, as in real-world ATC training. Each step requires study, training with a mentor and, from S2 onwards, a practical check.

Tap each step to see what it unlocks and what you need to reach it.

OBS · Observer

You start here. Every new VATSIM account is OBS.

What it unlocks: connecting as an observer, with a callsign ending in _OBS, to see traffic and listen to frequencies without transmitting.

To move up: be a resident member of Vatsim Brasil and follow the controller path.

S1 · Developing Controller

What it unlocks: the Delivery (_DEL) and Ground (_GND) positions within the Vatsim Brasil jurisdiction.

Requirements:

S2 · Aerodrome Controller

What it unlocks: the Tower (_TWR) positions.

Requirements:

  • pass the theory exam at the Training Center;
  • advanced training with a mentor;
  • practical check.

S3 · Terminal Controller

What it unlocks: the Control (_APP) positions.

Requirements:

  • pass the theory exam at the Training Center;
  • at least 10 hours connected on _TWR as S2;
  • advanced training with a mentor;
  • at least 10 hours of solo trainee time on _APP;
  • practical check.

C1 · Enroute Controller

What it unlocks: the Center (_CTR) positions.

Requirements:

  • pass the theory exam at the Training Center;
  • at least 10 hours connected on _APP as S3;
  • advanced training with a mentor;
  • at least 15 hours of solo trainee time on _CTR;
  • practical check.

C3 · Senior Controller

Recognition for experienced controllers. The requirements are in section 3.6 of the Vatsim Brasil Division Policy.

I1 · Instructor

The controller who trains other controllers. The requirements are in section 4.1 of the Vatsim Brasil Division Policy.

I3 · Senior Instructor

The requirements are in section 4.2 of the Vatsim Brasil Division Policy.

What is solo trainee?

Before the S3 and C1 check, the controller gets a temporary authorization to staff the new position alone, without the mentor alongside. Solo trainee hours are for building rhythm with real traffic before the assessment.

How training works

flowchart LR
  A["Theory course<br/>and exam"] --> B["Sessions with<br/>mentor"]
  B --> C["Practice hours<br/>(when required)"]
  C --> D["Practical check"]
  D --> E["Rating<br/>granted"]
  1. Course and theory exam at the Training Center.
  2. One-on-one practical sessions, scheduled by ticket on the Vatsim Brasil Discord. You control in a training environment while the mentor watches, corrects and guides.
  3. Minimum hours, when the rating requires them: connected time on your current rating and solo trainee time on the new position.
  4. Practical check: an assessed session. If you pass, the mentor forwards the result to the training staff, who grant the rating.

Make the most of the hours

Minimum hours are not an obstacle, they are the training. Connect at busy times, ask a more experienced controller to observe you and use the manuals to clear up any questions that come up.

Ratings and positions side by side

Rating _DEL _GND _TWR _APP _CTR
S1
S2
S3
C1 and above

Ready to connect? See the first session checklist.