Everybody here
was taught by somebody.

Two ladders run side by side. One takes you from a first clearance read off a card to a whole sector in the cruise. The other takes you from a circuit to an oceanic crossing. Both are free, both are taught by members, and you can climb them at the same time.

  • No prior experience assumed
  • Both tracks open the day you join

The two tracks

Air traffic control

Six ratings, from the first clearance you read out to a whole sector in the cruise. Every one is taught by a member who worked the position before you.

  1. AA
  2. AS
  3. AP
  4. AC
  5. ASR
  6. ACE

AA once the introductory course is done

Read the controller track

Pilot

Four licences, from a first circuit with somebody on the frequency talking you round to long haul filed and flown to the letter.

  1. SPL
  2. PPL
  3. CPL
  4. ATPL

SPL once the introductory course is done

Read the pilot track

What the codes mean

Every code you will see beside a name on this network comes from one of these two ladders. Point at a rung to see what it works and which endorsements it opens.

Air traffic control

    • ADIAreodrome Instrument
    • APPApproach Procedural
    • ACPArea Centre Procedural
    • MAJMajor aerodrome
    • SPOSpecial operations
    • OCNOceanic
    • OJTIOn the job training instructor
    • OJTEOn the job training examiner

Point at a rung to see what it works and what it opens.

Pilot

    • MILMilitary operations
    • SPOSpecial operations
    • CFICertified flight instructor
    • CFECertified flight examiner

Point at a rung to see what it works and what it opens.

Instructor and examiner

Four more codes that sit beside a ladder rather than on top of one. Holding ACE does not make you an instructor, and it is not meant to.

  • OJTI

    On the job training instructorControl

    Sits beside a trainee on a live position and teaches while the traffic is real. Every controller on the network was signed off by somebody holding this.

    The rating being taught, held for a while rather than just granted, and a course on how to teach it.

  • OJTE

    On the job training examinerControl

    Conducts the assessment that grants a rating, and writes the report behind it.

    OJTI held, plus time spent instructing. The network appoints examiners rather than taking applications.

  • CFI

    Certified flight instructorPilot

    Flies alongside a member working towards a licence, and talks them through the parts a manual cannot.

    CPL or above, and a course on instructing rather than on flying.

  • CFE

    Certified flight examinerPilot

    Conducts the check flight that grants a licence.

    CFI held, plus time spent instructing. Appointed rather than applied for.

Pick a ladder and start.

You do not have to choose one. Most people fly while they train to control, and it makes both of them easier.

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