Hi Michael, please consult the FAQ and follow the guidance.

https://www.vatusa.net/help/kb#q22

The practice exam does not have a separate MP3 file and you need to play it on a desktop computer; however, this exam is not required.

For the actual exam questions, you need to play the attached MP3 files underneath the embedded audio player on an iOS device. There should be a message telling you that within the question on the exams.

Reminder the first orientation session is taking place this evening at 2100 ET / 1800 PT.

New Student Orientation is geared for new members but applicable to everyone as we introduce and walkthrough the new Academy experience.

Are you familiar with the Dunning-Kruger Thought Process (or Dunning-Kruger Effect)?

The Dunning-Kruger Thought Process is a type of cognitive bias that explains how incompetent people often think they're more knowledgeable about something than they truly are.

We fight cognitive biases by continuing to learn, asking for (and accepting) other's feedback, and always challenging what we think we know through research and study.

Lesson videos are available in the Trainee Orientation Course within the Academy. One is about the Dunning-Kruger Effect (TED-Ed Presentation) and the other about 12 Cognitive Biases Explained.

https://academy.vatusa.net/course/view.php?id=8

Especially beyond the S2 rating (the more advanced your rating and/or position, and more time you spend away from the scope, the more susceptible to cognitive bias you become), our hobby is filled with many people who tend to think they know more than they do, due in large part to the fact that to be successful here, it does not require having a completely valid or comprehensive understanding of how to be an ATC.

Personally, I have often encountered controllers who swear one way or another, but only base their opinion upon the virtual environment and the extent to which they have been exposed to certain subject matters.

Please always remember to be humble and be kind. Always appreciate the fact that there's more to learn, and treat people with respect who are embarking on the never ending journey of education.

Welcome to the new VATUSA Training Academy!

https://academy.vatusa.net/

Here is a list of tips and info to help you get comfortable with the new surroundings:

🛠️ Still Under Development
The development team focused the majority of their attention on establishing the foundation and infrastructure of the new learning management system (Moodle). In addition, close attention was given to the experience of our new controllers in an effort to create better and more effective on-boarding tools and materials. The Basic ATC/S1 prerequisite courses are fully complete and set the standard for how the S2 thru C1 courses will be developed.

👀 Take Your Time, Look Around!
Gone are the days of looking at two dimensional slideshows and PDF packets. The new VATUSA Training Academy (otherwise known as the VATUSA Academy or ZAE) utilizes all applicable resources within the Moodle Learning Management System (LMS) to present material in a way that is more engaging and memorable. Even the testing experience has greatly changed with students having to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of course concepts with more than just multiple choice and true/false questions. ZAE strives to reach higher levels of Bloom's Taxonomy encouraging students to apply, analyze, evaluate and create. Whether you're a new controller or a seasoned veteran, please take a moment to explore the many new features of the new VATUSA Academy.

🤝 Something for Everyone!
Academy teachers and content creators have worked hard to create lessons and experiences that cater to all types of learning styles. In addition, particular attention was given to the overall accessibility of the lessons for learners requiring the need for special accommodations. Whether a learner has to listen with their ears, move their body, type with their fingers, or reflect upon images with their eyes, there truly is something for everyone.

⏰ Enjoy the Journey - Don't Rush!
The new VATUSA Academy will require an increased time commitment in order to work through each course and take each rating exam. The curriculum for ZAE was designed to be comprehensive and complete, allowing students to receive a standardized and equitable education no matter the subdivision (home facility) in which they were rostered. It is unfair and impossible to compare the new experience with the legacy experience since in the past students would simply open and close presentations and take tests that required only simple memorization or the ability to quickly find answers in real time. In addition, previous VATUSA training materials lacked substance and withheld a lot of key topics that wound up being taught at each subdivision. The new VATUSA Academy consolidates and centralizes the information from around the division to offer students a more robust and pedagogically savvy curriculum that places students first. By investing the appropriate amount of time and effort, students will quickly learn that taking rating exams is a much easier task than ever before and their increased preparation will make controlling on the network even more fun and invigorating.

Flight Following Made Easy - ATC Radio (Gold Seal Flight Training)
https://youtu.be/rwiUoeklcm8

How To Pickup VFR Flight Following - MzeroA Flight Training
https://youtu.be/5QxM5BAaA8o

Ask ATC: Flight Following vs. Flight Plan
https://youtu.be/wx8rglGpZd0

When to Ask for Flight Following
https://youtu.be/2ZQGRuZxyR8

Pilots, have you heard of the expression "Aeronautical Decision Making" or ADM for short?

Naturally, in the simulated environment, I suppose that not having good ADM isn't as much of a big of a deal as in reality when your life is literally on the line.

That said, there are often encounters and situations even in the simulated universe where your ability to make the right decision may influence not only the efficiency and success of your flight, but contribute to the overall enjoyment and realism of the circumstance for all involved parties (e.g., other pilots and air traffic control).

Here's a playlist made possible by the Air Safety Institute all about ADM:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmZXwtLoBH8zh4PPyz4PHFjO0GPPMzeig

I hope you enjoy watching some of these videos, or at the very least, start thinking about ways in which you can fine tune your ADM as a virtual pilot.