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Training & Ratings

Real VATSIM rating progressions for pilots and controllers, plus QFV internal rank structure.

Pilot Ratings

VATSIM Pilot

Official VATSIM pilot ratings. As a VAA we display these but cannot issue them — they are earned through VATSIM directly.

Entry
P0
Student Pilot
Observer only
›

Starting point for all VATSIM members. Can observe on frequency but cannot fly with ATC interaction beyond basic radio calls.

Automatic on VATSIM registration
↓
VFR
P1
Private Pilot Licence
VFR · Uncontrolled airspace
›

Basic visual flight rules. Can fly in uncontrolled airspace and conduct basic radio communications with ATC. Equivalent to a real-world PPL.

Pass VATSIM P1 theory exam via my.vatsim.net
↓
IFR
P2
Instrument Rating
IFR · Controlled airspace
›

Instrument flight rules. Can fly in controlled airspace with full ATC procedures — SIDs, STARs, clearances, holds. Required for all QFV operations.

Hold P1 + pass VATSIM P2 theory exam
↓
Advanced
P3
Commercial Multi-Engine
CMEL · Airline procedures
›

Multi-engine commercial operations. Full airline-type procedures, ETOPS, advanced navigation, weight & balance. Equivalent to a real-world CMEL/ATPL.

Hold P2 + pass VATSIM P3 theory exam
Note: QFV requires minimum P2 (IR) to log flights toward rank advancement. P1 pilots can fly but flights won’t count until IR is achieved.
Start training on VATSIM ↑
ATC Ratings

VATSIM ATC

Official VATSIM ATC ratings issued by VATPAC for Australian/NZ airspace. Each level unlocks additional positions.

Entry
OBS
Observer
No controlling permitted
›

Starting ATC rating. Can observe on frequency using .OBS suffix and learn procedures before beginning formal training.

Automatic on VATSIM registration
↓
Aerodrome
S1
Aerodrome Controller
DEL • GND
›

First ATC rating. Cleared to control Delivery (DEL) and Ground (GND) positions. Issues IFR clearances and manages ground movement at aerodromes.

Register with VATPAC → complete S1 theory → pass practical assessment with a VATPAC instructor
↓
Tower
S2
Tower Controller
DEL • GND • TWR
›

Cleared to control Tower (TWR). Manages the aerodrome traffic circuit, runway operations, sequencing arrivals and departures.

Hold S1 + complete S2 theory + pass practical with VATPAC instructor
↓
TMA / Approach
S3
TMA Controller
DEL • GND • TWR • APP • DEP
›

Cleared to control Approach (APP) and Departure (DEP). Vectors arriving and departing IFR aircraft within terminal airspace (TMA).

Hold S2 + complete S3 theory + pass practical with VATPAC instructor
↓
Enroute
C1
Enroute Controller
All positions • CTR
›

Full enroute rating. Cleared to control all positions including Enroute/Centre (CTR) sectors. Manages high-altitude IFR traffic across large airspace sectors.

Hold S3 + complete C1 theory + pass practical with VATPAC instructor
↓
Senior / Instructor
C3
Senior Controller
All positions • Mentoring eligible
›

Experienced enroute controller. Can mentor S1/S2 students under supervision of an instructor. Recognised for consistent high-quality controlling.

Hold C1 + 50+ hours controlling + VATPAC endorsement
I1
Instructor
All positions • Full mentoring
›

Certified VATPAC instructor. Can train and assess S1 through C1 candidates. Issues practical endorsements independently.

Hold C3 + VATPAC instructor endorsement + appointment
I3
Senior Instructor
All positions • Train instructors
›

Senior VATPAC instructor. Can train and endorse I1 candidates. Helps shape VATPAC training policy and procedures.

Hold I1 + appointment by VATPAC leadership
Apply via VATPAC ↑ VATPAC MATS ↑
QFV Ranks

Internal Structure

QFV-internal rank progression. Earned through logged flights within the QFV network.

Civilian Pilot Ranks
R1
First Officer
Boeing 737-800
Start
R2
Senior First Officer
Airbus A321XLR
10 flights
R3
Captain
Airbus A330-200/300
25 flights
R4
Senior Captain
Boeing 787-9
50 flights
R5
Check Captain
Airbus A380-800
100 + endorsement
Military Wing Ranks
M1
Junior Operator
C-130J Hercules
R2 + apply
M2
Operator
C-17A • C-130 • P-8A
10 mil. flights
M3
Senior Operator
All military platforms
25 mil. flights
M4
Wing Commander
All platforms • Staff
Appointment
QFV Staff
Mentor
Appointed
Staff / Dev
Appointed
Director / Board / Admin
Appointed
Vice President / President
Executive
To advance in QFV rank: Log flights through CrewHub with a valid SimBrief OFP. Request rank advancement via the Support tab once you reach the required flight count.

Start your training journey today.

Join QFV and fly with a community of serious sim pilots.

Apply to join →