Hello IFC, it’s me again and today I bring this guide so that you can pass your wonderful practical test and be part of the IFATC team.
This is the Definitive Legend Level Guide to destroy the IFATC practical exam. There is no cheap theory here, this is the operating manual of an elite controller or legend from start to finish, covering every centimeter from when the plane starts engines on the ground until it vacates the runway.
Follow this chronological and brutal flow so that your recruiter has no choice but to welcome you to the team.
This guide is divided into 5 fundamental Phases, all of which are in accordance with what the ATC manual says.
Phase 1: Ground) Order from the Root
Air chaos is prevented on earth. If you organize your pieces well below, the sky will be a walk.
- Pushbacks: With 8 planes, if two are facing each other on the same taxiway, don’t let them out at the same time. Tell the second plane: “Hold Position” or brake your trailer until the first one has cleared the area.
- The “Give Way” Command: It is your golden tool to prevent planes from crossing. When two aircraft are going to cross at a taxiing intersection:
- Identify who arrived first or who hinders less.
- To the second plane say: “Give Way to Aircraft on your Left/Right”.
- Geographic Departures (North, South, East, West): Aircraft that no longer stay in the pattern will ask you for “Departure to the North/South/East/West”.
- Don’t stress about its initial course. Authorize them to roll to the track that suits you according to the wind and keep the flow. Your exit separation will be handled in the air.
Phase 2: Tower (TO & LUAW) – The Art of the Trigger
* The Master Use of LUAW (Line Up and Wait): Never leave the track empty. If a plane comes in the air to land and is more than 3 miles away, immediately ground the plane to the runway with "Line Up and Wait".
The Shot: As soon as the wheels of the plane that was landing touch the pavement (or cross the threshold if it is a touch and takeoff), authorize in that microsecond the one you have waiting on the runway: “Cleared for Takeoff”.
Departure Separation: If you dispatch two planes in a row that go to the skipper, the second will eat the first one in the corner. For the second plane in the air, immediately apply an “Extend Upwind” to stretch the elastic before turning it.
Phase 3: The change of runways in parallel (22L / 22R) or The Main Break of the Exam
This is where recruiters burn aspirants. You have planes landing simultaneously on 22L (Left Traffic) and 22R (Right Traffic). Suddenly, one of the 22L asks to change to the 22R.
This is the scenario
Scenario A: The pilot asks for the change in the take-off section (Upwind)
If you just took off from the 22L and asked for the 22R, they are next to each other. If you turn immediately, you will collide with traffic on the right.
1. Extend Upwind: Tell the one who asks for the change: “Extend Upwind”. Let it go straight to pass the first plane that is turning right and eliminate the visual conflict.
2. Direct Entry: Once free of danger, give your clean entrance to the new block. As it goes for the 22R (right track), its natural circuit is on the right: “Enter Right Downwind, Runway 22R”.
3. Sequence and Permission: Find your partner in the right row (Number X, Traffic to follow is…) and give him his new permission (Cleared for the Option).
Scenario B: The pilot asks for the change in the back section (Downwind)
If you are already flying on your back in the 22L and ask for the 22R, it is much easier because they go parallel.
1. The Same Entrance, Different Clue: You don’t have to invent anything. Just send it to the circuit on the other side: “Enter Right Downwind, Runway 22R”. The plane will cross the central space of the airport to join the right circuit.
The Golden Rule No Traffic: If you look at the 22R radar and see that its completely empty, dont blow it up the entire long circuit! Opt for a direct entrance to the base: “Enter Left/Right Base, Runway 22R”. The recruiter will see that you have a macro vision of the airport and that you optimize the flight time of the pilots.
- Help Tip, if there are planes that go in the right section and left section in 22R, don’t forget to give it its proper sequence. Depending on which one arrives first and if there is no conflict
Example: Judgement 9 enter right downwind RWY 22R, Nº 2 traffic to follow is on Left Downwind or vice versa.
Phase 4: Air control and arrivals or The Choreography
Transitions: If an aircraft passes by crossing your airspace, give it the transition to the regulatory altitude (Airport altitude + 2,500 feet). As soon as you pass your area, it will stop bothering you.
* Entrances from outside (or Inbounds): Every plane coming from another airport must first receive an Entry to the Patron (Enter Downwind/Base/Final).
Elite Tip: If you enter by Downwind and the runways are different (one at 22L and another at 22R), do not sequen them between them. They go to different tracks, they are independent worlds. You will only sequence them if they enter the Indian line of the same runway.
The Combo of Wind in Favor: When they go in the middle of Downwind’s leg, give them their partner (Number X, Traffic to follow…) and their permission (Cleared for the Option) in the same time block.
PHASE 5 final: THE EXIT FROM CHAOS (GO-AROUND & EXIT RUNWAY)
The exam does nt end until the planes are off. Here you show your cold blood.
The Defensive Go-Around: If the planes approach less than 1.5 miles in the air on the final approach, activate the panic button professionally. Tell the one in the back: “Go-Around, Make Left/Right Traffic”. Don’t hesitate or try to fix it with words; the separation has already been lost. Sending it flying again gives you safety points.
Exit Runway: As soon as the plane that landed completely lowers its speed to less than 35 knots, send it the eviction command: “Exit Runway Left/Right, contact Ground when clear”.
Do not saturate the pilot by talking to 70 knots while braking. Wait until you have control of the plane at low speed.
With this mental plan you ensure everything;
1. Divide your screen: The 22L has its planes on the left circuit; the 22R on the right circuit. They are two independent production lines in a factory.
2. Don’t talk for the sake of talking: Wait for the pilot to finish his transmission before touching your screen. If you fire commands with panic, you will block the frequency.
3. You’re in charge: If you need space, use the “Extend Downwind” or “I’ll call your base”. The pilots are your chess pieces; move them at your convenience to keep the airport safe.
Execute this start-to-end flow and that IFATC certification will be on your profile today!
Trust your preparation
Remember This guide will help you understand the topics and better prepare for the direct pass.
Read carefully, stay calm, and focus on each stage of your preparation. As a controller, safety should always be your priority: every decision, communication, and procedure can influence the protection of operations and the people involved.
The goal is to properly prepare yourself to obtain the direct pass and develop the knowledge, discipline, and judgment necessary to perform responsibly, accurately, and safely. Practice seriously, follow established procedures, and always act attentively and professionally.