Controlling in a simulated environment uses the same principles as the real thing: keep aircraft apart, keep traffic moving, and say exactly what you mean.
Separation
Aircraft must be separated either vertically or horizontally.
| Type | Standard |
|---|---|
| Vertical, up to FL410 in RVSM airspace (FL290 to FL410) | 1,000 ft |
| Vertical, above FL410 | 2,000 ft |
| Radar, terminal area | Typically 3 NM |
| Radar, en route | Typically 5 NM |
Local rules can differ, so follow the procedures for your sector.
Wake turbulence
Heavy aircraft leave strong wake vortices. Behind them, lighter aircraft need extra spacing. ICAO radar minima include:
| Leader → follower | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Heavy → Heavy | 4 NM |
| Heavy → Medium | 5 NM |
| Heavy → Light | 6 NM |
| Medium → Light | 5 NM |
| Super (A380) → Heavy / Medium / Light | 6 / 7 / 8 NM |
The wake separation tool shows the full table and converts the distance to time.
Vectoring
A vector tells a pilot which heading to fly and why:
SVA123, turn left heading two five zero, descend four thousand feet QNH one zero zero four, vectors for ILS runway two seven left.
Give a reason, a level and a limit. Plan the turn onto final to intercept the localizer at no more than about 30°, at least 2 NM before the final approach point.
Handoffs
Before an aircraft leaves your airspace, coordinate with the next controller, then transfer it:
SVA123, contact Riyadh Control one three two decimal five, good day.
Hand over early enough that the next controller can act, and late enough that the aircraft is no longer your traffic problem.
Running an ATIS
Your ATIS should give pilots everything they need before first contact, in a fixed order: airport and information letter, time, approach and runway in use, transition level, wind, visibility, weather, cloud, temperature and dew point, QNH, and any notices. Change the letter whenever the information changes. The ATIS builder turns a METAR into a complete broadcast.
Transition level
Work out the transition level from the transition altitude and the QNH, and update it when the pressure changes. The transition level tool prints a table for your airport.
For flight simulation and training only. Real-world procedures vary by country and operator; always follow the published charts and your local rules.