VATIL Training Update

[Opher Ben Peretz 882232]

Good day ladies and gentlmen,

here's a heads-up on some recent activities at VATIL, whose principles are being shared for the benefit of (and scrutiny by although it's not detailed, just outlined) others. Following division staff reshuffle days ago, changes are being implemented in the training programs offered. The majority of our recruits are 13-14 years old, who at age 17 study for their final high school exams, at 18 leave for a long national service, then most go to university or college. This tempo dictates time-effective training, to attain a Controller1 rating within 18 or so months for those willing, able and flight profficient. Their young age is an excellent opportunity for training alongside education to individual and social values. We are working to offer:

1. Controller Training: A revised training and qualification program founded on these pillars: shorter completion time despite elevated performance requirements, [Mod - Happy Thoughts]ignment of personal instructors who rotate following stage completion, emphasys on self-study, use of Vatsim PRC and other reference material, and gradual delegation of authority with responsibility. Acceleration is attained by rearranging tower control training for the 8 towers required for control of FIR route control, increased guided self-study, better use of reference material, and release of the instructor shortage bottleneck by [Mod - Happy Thoughts]igning all ground and tower training to better trained and managed younger controllers. Ben Gurion Approach and TMA control position is a small and complex airspace, often dense, which requires a capable tower controller aroung six months hands-on training. We are experiencing pleasing results here.

 

The majority of controller candidates join us initially as pilot candidates, hence we encourage support of pilot training. This approach is further justified by the outcome of pilot performance and its impact on traffic flow.

2. Basic Pilot Training: The proven flight school, run by division members is now smoothly integrated with division activities, staff and resources such as forum, instructors for bi-directional flow of information and requirements. Its director, a real-world IFR rated pilot is now a division staff member. The division forum welcomes new candidates and offers for those interested, flight training programs suited to varying student entry levels. The entry level program includes a Cessna 172 transition and CVFR Private Pilot rating programs, followed by twin-engine aircraft transition and IFR Rating programs, eventually destined to meet Commercial Pilot Rating equivalent.

3. Advanced Pilot Training: Through use of our ongoing cooperation with real-world El Al Ltd., [Mod - Happy Thoughts]isting the training of new airline pilots and aircraft transition programs, we harness our pilots and controllers, MSFS, cockpit trainers, and combined division and company knowhow to train company trainees on Vatsim. The program enhances familiarization with systems, professional aircraft operation and cockpit crew management to real world level on company facilities. The program covers three aircraft families, Boeing 737NG, Boeing 757/767 and Boeing 747-400. We dub it Airline Transport Pilot Rating.

Challenges remain to be addressed: Retention of veteran member controller currency is low. Its like working to fill your pocket with hard-earned coins, which fall from its torn bottom. Understandably, it is part of life's pressures. Self awareness and time management are key. The study of ancient and contemporay philosophy clearly concludes that egoism is logically and morally right, and its most effective power multiplier is active support of one's community.