How about a "Supsended S1"

[Rob Nabieszko]

So to try and work around this logjam over not being able to get pre-S1s on the network, how about creating an allowance for a "Suspended S1" (or you could call it an "Unvalidated S1").

Basically, a Suspended S1 is not yet a fully rated S1 who is permitted on the network unsupervised. However, they still possess the S1 rating in the VATSIM system which allows them to connect as a controller under supervision for training.

In such a case, we would not require the written and practical test to issue the "Suspended S1". Just to issue the full, unrestricted S1.

This would basically restore us to a very similar pattern to what we have done in the past, which has worked well for over a decade. Here's how I would propose conducting it in our division:

1. Student applies to division.
2. Student studies, passes written S1 exams.
3. Student issued "Suspended S1".
4. Student performs sweatbox training with instructor.
5. Student performs on the network training with instructor.
6. Student passes practical exam on network.'
7. Student now has "Suspended" removed and is assigned all privileges of S1 rating.

This also overcomes technical issues with not listing students on our roster. Our rosters are tightly integrated with the VATSIM system now, along with all of our training systems. It would be easier to keep students on the roster and indicate a special status, rather than just blocking them off from the roster all together. Students are more likely to get lost if they are not listed in the system at all.

[Lars Bergmann]

Can't you essentially get this with the new policy by not adding controllers to the roster after step 3? I don't know if this would still be a possibility for "new" S1 students, but we will definitely have a bunch of old S1s that we'll deal with that way.

 

[Rob Nabieszko]

1 hour ago, Lars Bergmann said:

Can't you essentially get this with the new policy by not adding controllers to the roster after step 3? I don't know if this would still be a possibility for "new" S1 students, but we will definitely have a bunch of old S1s that we'll deal with that way.

 

It's very technically challenging because in our new website we can't have students that aren't listed on the roster. All the systems are linked together and if they aren't listed as students, they can't make notes or be promoted.

 

But the real issue is the requirement for a practical test prior to issuing the S1. Without a student rating (like an S0), we need an allowance for issuing an S1 without the practical test being passed. Then we can actually train to the S1 standard, and hold the practical test down the line when the student is fully trained on S1 and ready to actually be released.

Edited July 27, 2021 at 05:27 PM by Rob Nabieszko