VFR training

[Foxtrot]

Hi,

I know that the IFR training was moved to the ACC of the region.

Where does VFR training happen? Still in Cornwall? How long does it usually last?

Thanks!

[inmyairspace]

The VFR training is in the process of being "regionalized" as well. Sometime in the not so distant future, each of the ACCs will have the facilities and personel to train the VFR controllers there. Providing the course content doesn't change much, I think it is between 4 and 5 months. I also think the plan is to 'hire from', and 'post to' the specific region.

[pokaroo]

I would only imagine that the course would be shortened. The IFR course went from roughly 6 months to 8 or 10 weeks.

[Old Dog Flying]

Just a little history on the subject of VFR training: Transport Canada folks came down to the Air Force ATC school at Camp Borden in 1969, watched our course and took the whole package back to TCTI in Ottawa where the course was taugh and then to Cornwall until 1982 or so. I was one of the military instructors that worked on streamlining the course..which combined VFR and Terminal procedures in a 14 week time frame. The successful graduates then had 3 months to qualify VFR at a unit followed by 4 months to qualify as a Terminal controller.

In their infinite wisdom someone at TCTI decided to "Compress" the 14 week course into NINE months! The military continued with the 1969 course while the MoT candidates were subjected to the "lifer" course. On graduation the VFR types had 4 months to qualify in a tower...and this was standard until about 1986 when the CGPS students entered the system.

Qualifying in a tower can now take as long as 18 months...from eexperience I watched very weak trainees finally become tower controllers and some of them should never have been allowed to continue. We did get a large percentage of very capable people but this was overshadowed by the others.

This is not a comdenation of any of the present controllers, many of whom work under very trying condition, but I do feel that more stringent streamlined courses and fixed check-out times produce a much better controller. So please don't hold your breath if anyone thinks that the regional schools will shorten things up.

Wishing all controllers everywhere a Very Merry Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year

Barney

[Foxtrot]

So if I'm in the application process now (and things moved along smoothly, (would I expect to be at the regional training facility or NCTI?

[W0XOF]

So if I'm in the application process now (and things moved along smoothly, (would I expect to be at the regional training facility or NCTI?

There is no more basic training at NCTI.